PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

24 July 2026, MANILA — Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro met with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong on 23 July 2026 on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Post-Ministerial Conference and Related Meetings in Manila.

The meeting took place as the Philippines and Australia commemorate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Secretary Lazaro expressed appreciation for Australia’s continued support for Philippine development priorities. She also thanked Australia for its solidarity with the Philippines following the recent earthquake in Mindanao and welcomed Australia’s readiness to support ongoing response and recovery efforts.

The Secretary welcomed Australia’s consistent support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award as a final and legally binding decision, and a significant contribution to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

Secretary Lazaro shared the Philippines’ priorities for its ASEAN Chairship and welcomed Australia’s continued support for ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms. They likewise exchanged views on broader regional security issues and underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and adherence to international law in the Indo-Pacific.

The discussions also covered regional maritime security, including ongoing negotiations on a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and preparations for the ASEAN-Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Ministerial Dialogue.

The meeting reaffirmed the Philippines and Australia’s shared commitment to further strengthening their Strategic Partnership and to working closely in promoting a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region. END