PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

17 August 2026, CANBERRA – Philippine Ambassador H.E. Ambassador Morales met with Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Ted O’Brien MP at Parliament House on 17 August 2026 to reaffirm the longstanding friendship of the Philippines and Australia and the Strategic Partnership.

The meeting highlighted the 80 years of Philippines-Australia diplomatic relations built on decades of friendship and strengthened by the enduring people-to-people ties.

Ambassador Morales and Mr. O’Brien discussed the deepening of cooperation across a broad range of areas, including defence and security, trade and investment, and regional and multilateral partnerships. They underscored the importance of continued cooperation in promoting maritime security in advancing regional peace and stability, and upholding the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.

Ambassador Morales welcomed Australia’s longstanding support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award and its significance in providing a framework for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.

Mr. O’Brien welcomed the Filipino community’s positive and growing impact, and underscored the importance of sustained bilateral engagement. He also reaffirmed the continued bipartisan support for the Philippines-Australia relationship. -END

#PHAU80YEARS 🇵🇭🇦🇺