Canberra, Australia
24 October 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III thanked Prime Minister Julia Gillard MP for the warm reception of the Australian government during his state visit to the country. In the official dinner hosted by the Prime Minister, the President said that after 66 years of bilateral relations characterized by mutual respect and openness, the Philippines and Australia is continuing on their journey as deeper partners and that he has no doubt that the relationship between the two nations will become even more meaningful in the years to come. “We look forward to expanding the avenues for cooperation with Australia in order to secure peace, stability and prosperity for our region,” the President said.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Gillard thanked President Aquino for his visit. She said that the Australian government and people greatly admire him for his efforts in bringing prosperity and peace to the Philippines, and for being the second fastest growing economy in Asia at this significant time of global economic uncertainty.

* * *