The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday said it is looking into having defense and maritime cooperation with its counterpart in the United Kingdom (UK), whose Royal Navy is considered one of the best in the world.

PN public affairs office chief Captain Benjo Negranza said this was discussed when Lord Vernon Coaker, UK’s Minister of State for Defense, paid a courtesy call on PN chief Vice Adm. Jose Ambrosio Ezpeleta at the PN headquarters on Tuesday.

“Discussions also explored avenues for future defense and maritime cooperation, including strengthening partnerships, conducting joint activities, enhancing operational readiness, and pursuing opportunities for defense capability development,” Negranza said in a statement.

He said the meeting emphasized the shared commitment of Manila and London to regional security and maritime stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

The two officials also discussed the importance of preserving freedom of navigation and upholding international law, Negranza said.

“We stand firmly with you with respect to freedom of navigation,” the PN statement quoted Coaker as saying during the meeting.

Coaker’s visit coincided with the port visit of Royal Navy’s guided-missile frigate HMS Richmond (F-239), which highlighted the active cooperation and shared maritime engagements between the two navies.

Negranza said the parties reaffirmed mutual respect, friendship, and the shared goal of promoting peace, security, and a rules-based maritime order in the region. (PNA)