United Kingdom Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils and Lord Jack McConnell, a member of the UK House of Lords and former First Minister of Scotland, paid a courtesy exit visit to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim on July 8, 2025 (14 Muharram 1447 AH) at Cotabato City. The meeting was shared in a Facebook post by Chairman Murad, highlighting the UK’s continued support for the Bangsamoro peace and reconciliation process.

Lord McConnell praised the Bangsamoro peace process as a global model for peaceful conflict resolution, citing its relevance to regions such as Algeria and Morocco. He expressed hope for the continued success of Mindanao’s peace journey.

Ambassador Beaufils engaged in discussions on recent developments, particularly the outcomes of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meetings in Türkiye, where the Bangsamoro process was identified as a key focus for international engagement and support.

Chairman Murad underscored the uniqueness and resilience of the MILF-Government of the Philippines Peace Agreement, calling it one of the most comprehensive in the world. He also highlighted the region’s transformation from revolutionary struggle to inclusive governance and public service.

Also present during the visit were MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal, BARMM Advisor Anna Snowgale Rupa—who extended her congratulations to the MILF and the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) for their electoral achievements—along with UK Second Secretary Nazra Abdi and Programme Officer Johnson Badaw.

The visit reaffirms the UK government’s enduring commitment to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and inclusive development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).