Governor-General Hurley confident strategic partnership between PH, Australia ‘bright’

Australian Governor-General David Hurley has expressed confidence that the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Australia looks bright.

In his speech during the state lunch in honor of President Ferdinand ”Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday, Hurley said that the Philippine president’s visit to Canberra would strengthen the relationship of the governments, economies, and the people of the Philippines and Australia.

“Your Excellency, the future between our two countries is bright. I am sure your current visit, which includes the upcoming ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, will further strengthen relationships between our governments, economies, and people,” Hurley said.

“Australia values our Strategic Partnership with the Philippines. It is a relationship that has meant much to us. It will continue to do so in the future. We are neighbors in more than name and geography. We are friends who can rely on each other and help each other,” he added. 

Hurley noted that Marcos’ address to the Parliament of Australia “underscored the strength and dynamism” of the long standing bilateral ties between the Philippines and Australia.

He said the Philippines and Australia are more than just close neighbors as they are “enduring partners and friends.”

“Ever since then, our two countries have worked together in a spirit of friendship and bayanihan. This spirit reflects our shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” Hurley said.

“Your Excellency, Australia and the Philippines are partners in a dynamic region. We embrace opportunities together and we work together to face common challenges. In the face of these challenges our bilateral relationship has grown stronger,” he added. 

Marcos earlier said the visit was a significant step in realizing the opportunities and potential set forth under the framework of the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Australia.

The Philippines elevated its bilateral relationship with Australia from comprehensive to a strategic partnership during the visit of  Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the Philippines in September last year.—AOL, GMA Integrated News