PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will depart for Canberra, Australia, on Wednesday, as announced by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Ambassador Maria Teresita Daza.
During a Palace press briefing, Daza mentioned that the President would have a Guest of Government visit to Australia from February 28-29.
The visit follows an invitation from Australian Governor General David Hurley.
‘’So it covers the whole gamut of cooperation between the two countries, and it’s upon the invitation of the Governor who serves as the head of state of Australia. And it is, in a way, similar to a state visit, so because it’s upon the invitation of the Governor, and the Governor is hosting the visit of the President in Canberra. As you all know, Canberra is the capital of Australia,’’ Amb. Ma. Teresita Daza said.
Daza further explained that the President’s visit and its official activities in Canberra would strengthen existing cooperation between the Philippines and Australia.
It will also facilitate discussions for new avenues of collaboration.
The Philippines and Australia are set to celebrate the 78th anniversary of diplomatic relations later this year.
During the visit, President Marcos is expected to deliver a speech at the Australian Parliament, discussing the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Australia.
‘’The visit is envisioned to further cement the strategic partnership that reaffirmed the two countries’ shared interest in regional prosperity and peace,’’ she added.
President Marcos will be the first Philippine President to address the Australian Parliament.
He will also engage in formal discussions on various areas of cooperation and regional issues.
Accompanying the president in these discussions are high-ranking officials from Australia, including Governor General Hurley, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and other Australian Parliamentary leaders.
In September of last year, the Philippines and Australia agreed to strengthen their strategic relationship.
Meanwhile, PBBM is also expected to participate in the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit on March 4-6, 2024, upon the invitation of Prime Minister Albanese.
This was mentioned by ASEAN Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu in the same briefing.
Australia is the longest-standing dialogue partner of ASEAN.
‘’As the first ASEAN leaders level engagement for the year, the summit presents an opportunity for us to present the Philippines’ core position on regional and international issues and set the tone for dialogue partner summits later in the year, especially in October,’’ she said.
The President will also have the opportunity to meet with the Filipino community in Melbourne on the sidelines of the summit.
There will also be a Philippine Business Forum led by the Department of Trade and Industry.