The Philippines and Australia marked eight decades of diplomatic relations with a reception at Parliament House in Canberra, underscoring the deepening partnership between the two countries across diplomacy, trade, defense, education, and people-to-people ties.
The Embassy of the Philippines in Australia, led by Ambassador Antonio Morales, hosted the event in celebration of Philippines-Australia Friendship Day and the 80th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations. More than 80 guests attended, including Members of Parliament, senior Australian government officials, ASEAN diplomats, business leaders, and members of the Filipino diaspora.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Luke Gosling MP, Special Envoy for Northern Australia and Chair of the Australia-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group, served as guests of honor.
Wong underscored the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Australia as one “built on enduring mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a common commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.” She also cited the strong people-to-people and economic links between the two countries, including nearly 40,000 Filipino students in Australia and the presence of Australian businesses in key sectors in the Philippines.
Gosling highlighted the long historical connections between the Philippines and northern Australia, including the contributions of the Manilamen to the pearling industry in Darwin, Broome, and the Torres Strait. He also recognized the continuing role of the Filipino community in Australian society.
Ambassador Morales said the strategic partnership continues to gain momentum through cooperation in defense and maritime security, trade and investment, climate resilience, energy transition, education, and regional engagement, including through the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship. He also reaffirmed the vital role of the Filipino community in strengthening bilateral relations.
The event drew strong bipartisan participation from the Australian Parliament, including Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell, International Development and Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite, Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O’Brien, and Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade chair Shayne Neumann.
Other lawmakers in attendance included Ash Ambihaipahar, Alison Byrnes, Cassandra Fernando, Steve Georganas, Michelle Landry, David Smith, and Andrew Willcox, many of whom are active members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group. Former Australian ambassadors to the Philippines Amanda Gorely and Steve Robinson also joined the commemoration.
The Philippines and Australia established formal diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946. Philippines-Australia Friendship Day is observed every May 22, marking the day Australia established its Consulate General in Manila.