Marcos: Australia remains one of PH's closest friends

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the first Philippine president to address the Australian Parliament, emphasizes the longstanding friendship and shared goals between the two nations. In his speech, the President highlighted ties dating back to the 1800s and collaboration during World War II. He stressed the importance of the Strategic Partnership amid current geopolitical and climate challenges, expressing confidence in the future of the Philippines-Australia partnership, grounded in common values and a spirit of unity. PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his two-day visit to Canberra was a “significant step” in elevating the country’s relations with Australia, “one of our closest friends” in maintaining regional peace amid the present complexities in global geopolitics.

Marcos, who arrived in Manila Thursday night from his state visit to Canberra, said the Philippines’ ties with Australia will continue to flourish as the two countries forge ahead and maximize the gains and potentials under their newly established Strategic Partnership.

“This visit is a significant step in realizing the opportunities and potentials set forth by our decision to elevate the bilateral relationship with Australia from a comprehensive to a strategic partnership,” the President said.

“Australia remains, and will continue to be, one of our closest friends. In the spirit of bayanihan (teamwork) 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,” he added.

The Philippines elevated its bilateral relationship with Australia from a comprehensive one to a Strategic Partnership during the visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Manila last year.

During his two-day visit, Marcos said he also met with Albanese to maximize the opportunities from the two countries’ strategic partnership.

The President said he discussed with Albanese the need to improve cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, and security.

“Following the visit of Prime Minister Albanese to our country last September, we have seen an increased tempo in bilateral engagements in various areas of cooperation, most prominent of which is our recent closer collaboration on defense and security,” he said.

Marcos, who took a two-day state visit to Australia from February 28 to 29 upon the invitation of Governor-General David Hurley, said he also had “productive” discussions with the host country’s parliamentary leaders.