PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

07 August 2025, CANBERRA - The Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Antonio Morales, participated in the Ambassadors’ Panel at the Asialink Leaders Summit 2025 on 07 August 2025.

The panel was moderated by Asialink CEO Martine Letts and featured Ambassador Morales alongside H.E. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand, H.E. Dr. Siswo Pramono, Ambassador of Indonesia, and Ms. Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of the Regional and Mainland Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Office of Southeast Asia.

In his remarks, Ambassador Morales highlighted that while the Philippines and Australia will mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, they trace their shared history as far back as the 1860s, when Filipino pearl divers, known as the Manilamen, contributed significantly to the Northern Australian pearling industry. The undersigned also underscored the vital role of the 400,000-strong Filipino community in Australia as a cornerstone of bilateral ties.

The Ambassador shared that the bilateral defense and security cooperation remains robust, with regular high-level dialogues and active participation in military exercises, including the Philippines’ first-time observer role in Talisman Sabre and Australia’s participation in the Balikatan exercises.

Ambassador Morales emphasized that the Philippines and Australia also continue to enhance cooperation in addressing shared concerns such as climate change, food security, and maritime security under the Strategic Partnership.

Noting that two-way trade remains modest and skewed towards Australia, Ambassador Morales encouraged greater Australian investment in the Philippines’ human capital development, agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure sectors.

The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in fostering regional peace, stability and prosperity. He expressed appreciation for Australia’s support for ASEAN centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitration Award on the South China Sea.

Ambassador Morales also discussed that the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 will prioritize peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change, while leading the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

The Ambassador’ panel is part of the Asialink Leaders Program, which is now in its 30th year. The Program is Asialink’s flagship initiative to strengthen Australia’s ties with Asia and develop leadership skills for engaging with Asia’s diverse markets, cultures, and political landscapes. - END