The United Kingdom (UK) has lauded the Philippine government for taking the lead in establishing a human rights body in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Philippines and the UK held its first high-level bilateral talks in London last week. The Philippine contingent was led by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Policy Enrique Manalo.

According to UK Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Ivan Lewis, the Philippines' contribution in establishing a new ASEAN human rights body is "invaluable."

"The UK government looks forward to the day when this body makes a substantive contribution towards tackling human rights abuses in the region and we stand ready to help you make that happen," Lewis said.

The Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand are among the ASEAN member-countries which have established their own human rights institutions.

The establishment of an ASEAN Human Rights Body is a commitment to the Southeast Asian Nations Charter.

Lewis also commended the Philippines for its firm stand on Burma, particularly its need for political reforms and call to release democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"The UK is immensely grateful to the Filipino government for the leading role that it has played in the ASEAN on Burma. The tough statements from the Philippine government on Aung San Suu Kyi and the position it has taken on the death penalty are examples to other states in the region," he said.

The DFA had earlier expressed "deep trouble and outrage" over the filing of trumped up charges against Aung San Suu Kyi and her transfer to Insein Prison.

Aside from human rights issues, the bilateral talks also covered key issues like trade, climate change, migration and economy.