Philippines–United Kingdom relations
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Philippine-United Kingdom relations refers to the bilateral relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Formal diplomatic relations were established between the two countries on July 4, 1946. Relations between the two countries are cordial.[1]
Philippine Pre-Independence
Relations between the Philippines and the United Kingdom date to Sir Francis Drake's arrival in Mindanao in 1579 after an almost three year circumnavigational voyage aboard Golden Hind. Economic ties defined relations for the next four centuries. The Philippines became a part of the footprint of the East India Company. British companies took part in improving transportation infrastructure in the Philippines.[1]
British occupation of Manila
The Kingdom of Great Britain occupied the city of Manila and nearby port of Cavite between 1762 and 1764. Strong resistance from the provisional Spanish colonial government established by members of the Royal Audience of Manila and their Filipino allies prevented British forces from taking control of territory beyond the neighbouring towns of Manila and Cavite. The occupation was ended as part of the peace settlement of the Seven Years' War.
Modern era
The British Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee visited the Philippines in 1986 to express support for the new government of then President Corazon Aquino. British Foreign Secretary Sir Geoffrey Howe visited in 1988 in an attempt to further strengthen bilateral relations. The following year, Filipino Foreign Secretary Raul Manglapus became the first Philippine minister to visit Britain.[1]
Economic relations
The United Kingdom is currently the largest European investor in the Philippines. Likewise, most European tourists who visit the Philippines come from the United Kingdom, with about 90,000 visitors yearly.[1][2]
Military relations
The Philippines sided with the Allies in the Second World War together with Great Britain. The United Kingdom plays an important part in the Mindanao peace process.
Immigration
There were only a small population of Filipinos in the United Kingdom until the late 20th century. The numbers increased from around 18,000 in 1986 to about 250,000 in 2010.[1] Most of them work in the health sector in Greater London.[2]
About 10,000 Britons reside in the Philippines, mostly expatriates, spouses and retirees.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Bilateral relations". London Philippine Embassy. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Philippines and UK's growing relationship | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online". Mb.com.ph. 2011-05-24. Retrieved 2012-06-02.
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