Prime Minister Albanese and President of the Republic of the Philippines HE Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr reaffirmed the strong relationship Australia and the Philippines share during the President's first official visit to Australia this week.
President Marcos' address to a joint sitting of the Australian Parliament highlighted the close cooperation between Australia and the Philippines under our upgraded Strategic Partnership, signed by Leaders last year, and our shared commitment to an open, resilient and prosperous region.
Leaders' announced the following new Memoranda of Understanding to implement key priorities of our Strategic Partnership, including:
- Enhanced Maritime Cooperation to strengthen our existing civil and defence maritime commitments;
- Cyber and critical technology to harden our resilience against cyber attacks and encourage cooperation on the digital economy; and
- Cooperation between our national competition commissions to enhance effective competition law and policy.
The Prime Minister also announced a new $20 million investment to support the Philippines to reform, and improve access to, its justice system.
Next week the Prime Minister will welcome President Marcos and other Southeast Asian leaders to Melbourne to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue at the Australia-ASEAN Special Summit.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
"The Philippines is one of Australia's key partners in Southeast Asia - we share a vision for an open, stable and prosperous region.
"The President's historic address to the Australian Parliament articulated our shared vision for the region and for the thriving Australia-Philippines relationship.
"Our nations have never been closer, and realising opportunities through our Strategic Partnership will bring great benefits to Australians and Filipinos.
"I look forward to continued discussions with President Marcos at the ASEAN-Australia Summit."
