PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

04 MARCH 2026, CANBERRA – Philippine Ambassador Antonio A. Morales met with Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, at Parliament House to reaffirm the strong parliamentary ties between the Philippines and Australia as the two countries mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

The meeting underscored the role of parliamentary cooperation in supporting the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership and advancing the long-standing friendship between the two countries. They also explored ways to expand exchanges and dialogue between members of the Philippine Congress and the Australian Parliament, with the aim of delivering meaningful outcomes for the wider community.

Ambassador Morales highlighted the meaningful contributions of the Filipino community in Australia, noting their impact on the country’s economic growth, multicultural society, and skilled workforce, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, hospitality, and information technology. He also welcomed the strong bipartisan support for the Philippines in the Australian Parliament.

The Honorable Speaker acknowledged the important role of Filipino-Australians in their communities and reflected on the historic 2024 address to the Australian Parliament by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The visit, he said, reflected the deep trust and growing cooperation between the Philippines and Australia.

The Philippines and Australia established formal diplomatic relations on 04 July 1946. Today, Australia is one of the Philippines’ five Strategic Partners, with cooperation spanning political, security, economic, development, and people-to-people initiatives. - END