Marcos congratulates new PM Starmer, seeks stronger PH-UK ties

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Saturday congratulated newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer following the poll victory of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Marcos said he was looking forward to forging stronger relations between the Philippines and the UK.

"On behalf of the Philippines, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Labour Party and Keir Starmer," Marcos said.

"We wish the new government success and look forward to further strengthening our deep and longstanding ties," he added.

The center-left Labour Party made its return to power after 14 years of Conservative government.

Diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the UK were established on July 4, 1946, according to a statement Saturday by the Presidential Communications Office.

In August 2023, the Philippines and the UK formally sought to bolster defense, maritime and trade ties under an enhanced partnership agreement amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges facing the region.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and British counterpart James Spencer Cleverly had signed a statement of intent that would develop a framework to define the scope and further strengthen the two countries' bilateral relations.

Britain has supported the Manila's position in the West Philippine Sea issue, previously condemning "unsafe and escalatory tactics deployed by Chinese vessels" against the Philippines.

As part of the Group of Seven (G7) countries, the UK expressed serious concern and opposition to China's actions in the South China Sea, particularly the "increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine vessels." — Vince Angelo Ferreras/ VDV, GMA Integrated News