PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to fortifying ties with the United Kingdom (UK) and the Kingdom of Belgium as he welcomed their new ambassadors.
In separate ceremonies at Malacañan Palace, Marcos Jr. received the credentials of British envoy Sarah Hulton QBE and Belgian ambassador Vladislava Iordanova.
According to Presidential Communications Office’s (PCO) news release, the President told Hulton that the Philippines considers the UK as its ‘steadfast partner.’
‘Relations between the UK and the Philippines have certainly stood the test of time, and have just grown stronger and deeper as years go on,’ he said, as quoted by the PCO.
For her part, Hulton said she looks forward to working with the current administration in advancing growth, climate, and security priorities.
She also expressed condolences for the victims of recent natural disasters in the Philippines and reaffirmed the UK’s support for humanitarian efforts.
‘It is a great honor that I return to the Philippines after nearly 20 years, with a deep appreciation for our enduring friendship between our countries,’ Hulton stated.
The Philippines and the UK established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive expressed confidence that bilateral relations between the Philippines and Belgium would deepen under Iordanova’s watch.
‘Our two countries have enjoyed a long time of warm and cordial relations, which I hope will continue and strengthen at every level: [from people-to-people, all the way to government-to-government],’ he told Belgium’s head of mission, as reported by the PCO. ‘I look forward to the work we will do to bring our countries closer together.’
Iordanova assured Marcos of her commitment to enhancing the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
She reaffirmed the strong and historic ties between Belgium and the Philippines-‘two like-minded partners committed to multilateralism, peace, sustainability and inclusive growth,’ according to the Belgian Embassy.
As Belgium and the Philippines prepare to celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, both countries look forward to deepening cooperation on shared priorities.