PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan met with British Ambassador Sarah Hulton OBE during a courtesy visit at the Ambassador’s Residence on August 27 to discuss expanding maritime cooperation and professional development opportunities.
During the meeting, the United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to the rules-based international order and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The officials also exchanged views on ongoing developments and areas of mutual concern in the South China Sea.
Discussions highlighted several potential areas of practical collaboration, including joint initiatives with His Majesty’s Coastguard, marine environmental protection, search and rescue (SAR) capabilities, and virtual knowledge exchanges.
Both sides also explored train-the-trainer courses to bolster emergency response capacity.
In addition to operational cooperation, Ambassador Hulton encouraged PCG officers to pursue higher education and professional growth through the UK’s Chevening Scholarship Programme and specialized maritime training courses.
Admiral Gavan expressed appreciation for the UK’s continued support of regional stability and maritime security.
Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding international law and maintaining a secure maritime domain through sustained bilateral dialogue.
