Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace
September 8, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hosted a luncheon in honor of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of the Commonwealth of Australia as the latter wraps up his first Official Visit to the Philippines.

In his toast remarks, the President conveyed his deepest gratitude to the Australian delegation for a productive visit, which he considers a celebration and commitment of fostering a new era of partnership between the two nations.

“The visit of the Prime Minister is an extremely important one as we have made many agreements between the Philippines, the most important of which is the elevation of our relationship as comprehensive to strategic partners,” he said, emphasizing that this is just the beginning of the strengthening collaboration between the two countries that are vital for growth and development.

“This solidifies the work that we have been trying to do in helping one another to maintain the peace in our region,” President Marcos Jr. added.

The visit of Prime Minister Albanese highlighted the longstanding bilateral relationship and diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Australia for over 75 years. This is also the first visit of an Australian Prime Minister to the Philippines since 2003.

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