February 29, 2024
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered an arrival statement from a successful State Visit to Canberra, Australia on 28-29 February 2024.
The President underscored that following the visit of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the Philippines in September last year, both nations have seen an increased tempo in its bilateral engagements that cover various areas of cooperation; the most prominent of which is the two countries’ closer collaboration on defense and security.
He highlighted his address to the Parliament of Australia earlier today — the first ever made by a Filipino President — where he conveyed to Australian legislators the crucial role of both their countries as proponents of the rules-based international order.
During his meeting with the Prime Minister, they explored other options to maximize the opportunities under a Strategic Partnership. Three (3) agreements were also cemented by the Philippines with Australia in the fields of maritime cooperation, cyber and critical technology, and the implementation of competition laws.
“Australia remains, and will continue to be, one of our closest friends. In the spirit of bayanihan and mateship, we shall forge ahead in fully maximizing the potentials and the gains from this Strategic Partnership between our two forward-looking, law-abiding maritime states. I look forward to exerting our tireless efforts to attain this vision,” the Chief Executive ended in his message.
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