PH-Aus to Renew Diplomatic Relations in Marcos Admin

Australia and the Philippines are set to renew diplomatic ties as the Australian Governor-General met with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after his inauguration.

Australian Governor-General David Hurley, who is acting under the Queen of Australia and its Head of State, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and granted executive powers, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defense Force, was present during Marcos’ inauguration and was part of the new president’s greetings in his inaugural speech.

The two leaders met in Malacañan Palace and marked Hurley as the first Head of State meeting for the Marcos Jr. administration.

The two heads of state talked about the expansion of cooperation between Australia and the Philippines. The discussion emphasized greatly in defense and security, trade, and developmental matters.

Marcos will have to walk a tightrope on diplomacy, however, as the new president also said that China-Philippine ties are “set to shift to a higher gear” during his presidency.

Australia and China are currently locked in a trade dispute.

His Excellency General the Honourable, David Hurley AC DSC said in a statement that meeting with Marcos highlights the “importance Australia places on its long-standing relationship with the Philippines, including the cooperation towards a Strategic Partnership.”

Moreover, Hurley added that he is delighted to be in the Philippines, Australia’s “closest neighbors“.

“I am delighted to be in the Philippines, one of Australia’s closest neighbors, to see the work our countries are doing to elevate our bilateral partnership towards a Strategic Partnership,” Hurley said.

Australia and the Philippines marked their 75 years of formal diplomatic relationships in 2021. (GFB)