The United Kingdom has decided, through a transparent and democratic process, to leave the European Union. As a nation that shares with the United Kingdom adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law, the Philippines respects this decision of the British people.

The Philippines deeply values its relationship with the United Kingdom, which has been growing steadily and from strength to strength in the past seventy years. Bilateral trade between the Philippines and the United Kingdom reaches about $1.8 billion per year, focusing on vibrant sectors that capitalize on both countries' advantages, particularly in manufacturing and agricultural sectors. The United Kingdom is already home to some 200,000 Filipinos and Filipino-British citizens, and in 2015, we welcomed 154,589 British tourists to our shores.

The Philippines also deeply values its relations with the European Union both bilaterally and as a part of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Philippines looks forward to continuing its ties with both the United Kingdom and the European Union towards a more prosperous future. END