STATE LUNCHEON. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday (Feb. 29, 2024) attends a state luncheon hosted by Australian Governor-General Davis Hurley in Canberra, Australia. In his speech, Marcos sought Australia’s influence to advance the Philippines' position in mitigating the effects of climate change. (Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday sought Australia’s influence to help the Philippines advance its position in mitigating the effects of climate change.
In his remarks during a state luncheon hosted by Australian Governor-General Davis Hurley in Canberra, Australia, Marcos said work needs to be done to achieve the cause and a sustainable future for both countries.
“The challenges posed by the prevailing dynamic security environment in our region are compounded by global threats such as climate change and the rapid advancement of technologies that affect all states, and even the individual lives of our citizens,” Marcos said.
“Still, I remain confident and optimistic knowing that we have a like-minded and responsible partner in Australia that shares our positive outlook and is willing, as history has shown, to exert its influence for the benefit of our region and of our peoples,” he added.
Marcos hoped that the two nations would pursue closer ties and collaboration, stressing that their strategic partnership and long-standing friendship make Australia a “natural partner” of the Philippines.
Commitment to peace, stability
Meantime, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia and the Philippines are committed to sustaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Albanese said Australia shares a similar vision with the Philippines for an “open, stable, and prosperous region where disputes are settled through agreed rules, norms and institutions.”
He said the shared vision with the Philippines includes civil maritime security, marine environment protection, maritime demand awareness, and the promotion of respect for international law.
“We’re ambitious for what we can achieve together and on place that way our working actively to build a peaceful region where international law is respected and waterways are open for trade,” Albanese said.
“I’m pleased that with our new MOU [memorandum of understanding] on enhanced maritime cooperation, which we have signed today, we will collaborate more closely to promote our shared vision for the region,” he added.
Marcos is in Canberra, Australia for a two-day visit upon Hurley’s invitation. The President is expected to return to Australia to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne from March 4 to 6.
Albanese said the special summit is an opportunity for Australia to highlight its commitment to drive growth in trade and investments, in line with the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 launched by Melbourne last year.
“ASEAN centrality is critical to this and it will be a great honor to host all the leaders of Southeast Asia in Melbourne next week, for the ASEAN-Australia special summit” he said. (PNA)
