Canberra, Australia
24 October 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III was given a ceremonial welcome by Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce AC CVO, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. The rites were held at the Lakeside Lawn of the Government House which serves as the Governor-General’s official residence. President Aquino was introduced to the Australian officials before the twenty-one gun salute commenced. He received the National Salute from the Governor-General and acknowledged both the Australian National Flag and the Australian Defense Force Ensign.

President Aquino’s State Visit to Australia aims to further strengthen and boost the political, defense and economic ties between the Philippines and Australia, and to seek closer bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The President had said earlier that the Philippines is offering Australia a strategic partnership. At present, the Philippines’ top strategic partners are the United States of America (USA) and Japan.

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