Manila: The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday announced plans to strengthen defense and maritime cooperation with the United Kingdom's Royal Navy, recognized as a leading global naval force.

According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative was discussed during a courtesy call by Lord Vernon Coaker, UK's Minister of State for Defense, to PN chief Vice Adm. Jose Ambrosio Ezpeleta at the PN headquarters in Manila. Captain Benjo Negranza, chief of the PN public affairs office, stated that the talks covered potential future collaborations aimed at enhancing partnerships, conducting joint activities, boosting operational readiness, and exploring opportunities for defense capability development.

Negranza highlighted that the meeting underscored the mutual commitment of Manila and London to ensuring regional security and maritime stability, with a particular focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Discussions also revolved around the significance of preserving freedom of navigation and adhering to international law.

The statement quoted Coaker expressing the UK's firm stance alongside the Philippines regarding freedom of navigation. His visit was further marked by the port call of the Royal Navy's guided-missile frigate, HMS Richmond (F-239), exemplifying the active cooperation and shared maritime engagements between the two naval forces.

Negranza added that the discussions reaffirmed the mutual respect and friendship between the parties, as well as their shared objective of promoting peace, security, and a rules-based maritime order in the region.