PRESS RELEASE
Philippine Embassy, Canberra
1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*
23 July 2025, CANBERRA – Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio A. Morales met with the Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Immigration, Foreign Affairs and Trade on 23 July 2025 at Parliament House, to discuss the Philippines–Australia Strategic Partnership and preparations for a milestone year in 2026, which will mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite acknowledged the significant contributions of the Filipino diaspora in Australia, particularly in New South Wales and the vital role that Filipino workers play in Australia’s growth.
Ambassador Morales recalled the recent meeting between Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Australian Foreign Minister Senator the Hon. Penny Wong on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 10 July 2025 and reaffirmed the commitment to deepening cooperation particularly in maritime security.
Ambassador Morales discussed the Philippines ASEAN Chairmanship priorities in 2026 with a focus on peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate action and the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (2027–2028). He also expressed appreciation for Australia’s consistent support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award and for its assistance in enhancing the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness. Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite emphasized the importance of defending the rules-based international order and conducting freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea.
The Philippines and Australia elevated the relations to a Strategic Partnership in September 2023 during the visit of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Manila. The two countries continue to foster dynamic and wide-ranging cooperation across defense and security, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties. - END
