Marcos: It’s a welcome evolution to look at Europe for security alliance

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said it is not traditional for the Philippine government to look at Europe for security partnerships and alliances.

This as United Kingdom Foreign Secretary James Cleverly paid a courtesy call on Marcos in Malacañang Palace.

Also present during the courtesy call were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr.

"The new development in terms of security and defense... It is not traditional for us to look to Europe for our… to seek alliances and partnerships when it comes to security and defense," Marcos said.

"But that seems to be the evolution, the geopolitics these days. It is a welcome evolution in my view, and again your visit here I think, is a clear indication of that intent. So once again, welcome to Manila, welcome to the Philippines, welcome to the Palace," he added.

Meanwhile, Cleverly said he sees a lot of opportunities when it comes to enhancing relations with the Philippines, including trade ties.

"We are now looking towards enhancing the trade relationship, which is in a good place, that there is still growth. I know that you are very focused on attracting investment into the country and I’ve been discussing with our ambassador about UK export finance facility, which I hope would encourage UK companies to invest more broadly," Cleverly had said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News