australian prime minister visit to philippines

Australia PM Albanese to Visit Philippines With Focus on Maritime Security

FILE PHOTO: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks on the day he meets NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg during a NATO leaders summit in Vilnius, Lithuania July 11, 2023. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would travel to the Philippines in September to discuss defence and security cooperation, the first Australian leader to visit in 20 years.

Albanese will meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on September 8 to discuss strengthening cooperation on defence, maritime security and development, his office said in a statement on Friday.  

"Our partnership with the Philippines is built on close defence and security cooperation, increasing economic relations and warm personal ties," Albanese said.

The Philippines and Australia discussed pursuing joint patrols in the South China Sea during a visit by Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles in February.

Albanese will also travel in September to the ASEAN-Australia Summit in Jakarta, and the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, the statement added.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; editing by Christina Fincher)

Copyright 2023 Thomson Reuters .

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Today’s front page, Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Australian PM sets September visit to Philippines

• Samuel P. Medenilla
• August 18, 2023
• 1 minute read

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to visit the country next month to seek closer cooperation with the Philippines on economic and defense affairs. 

In a news statement released on Friday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed Albanese would be in the country on September 7 and 8 for an official visit. 

He is scheduled to meet with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on the second day of his visit to discuss possible cooperation on defense and security, trade, economic development and maritime affairs. 

“It follows a series of high-level engagements earlier this year between the Philippines and Australia, underscoring the shared commitment by both nations to advance the trajectory of their multifaceted partnership,” PCO said. 

Last May, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Marcos met in Malacañang, where they talked about possible partnerships to help in the country’s security and economic transformation.  

PCO noted Albanese’s visit is a significant milestone since it is the first visit in the country by an Australian Prime Minister since 2023. 

The President first met with Albanese during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) last year.

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Australia PM Albanese to visit Philippines with focus on maritime security

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

FILE PHOTO: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks on the day he meets NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg during a NATO leaders summit in Vilnius, Lithuania July 11, 2023.

REUTERS/Kacper Pempel/File Photo

SYDNEY, Australia – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would travel to the Philippines in September to discuss defense and security cooperation, the first Australian leader to visit in 20 years.

Albanese will meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on September 8 to discuss strengthening cooperation on defense, maritime security and development, his office said in a statement on Friday.

“Our partnership with the Philippines is built on close defense and security cooperation, increasing economic relations and warm personal ties,” Albanese said.

The Philippines and Australia discussed pursuing joint patrols in the South China Sea during a visit by Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles in February.

Albanese will also travel in September to the ASEAN-Australia Summit in Jakarta, and the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, the statement added.

Japan, Australia may conduct South China Sea patrols with US, PH – ambassador

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The Philippines and Australia forge stronger ties in a new Strategic Partnership

The first visit to the Philippines by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demonstrates the priority that the Government places on deepening engagement with the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

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Other ways to listen, the strategic partnership, inked by australian prime minister anthony albanese and philippine president ferdinand marcos jr. during the prime minister's visit to manila on september 8, marks a significant step toward strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries..

• The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia,presenting significant opportunities for Australia to strengthen its trade and investment ties.
• Australia reaffirmed its support for the Philippines' claim to territories in the South China Sea.
• Many Filipinos welcomed the new opportunities presented by Australia in the fields of education, migration, defense, and community programs.

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Australia PM Albanese up for Manila visit in September

FILE PHOTO: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. REUTERS

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia will visit the Philippines early next month for talks with President Marcos and other officials on a wide range of issues, including regional security and economic development, Malacañang announced on Friday.

Albanese’s Sept. 7 to Sept. 8 visit, the first to the country by an Australian prime minister since 2003, is seen to boost defense and trade relations between the two allies, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

“The Philippines and Australia share a rich history of friendship and collaboration, which has flourished through the decades,” the PCO said.

The visit will come on the heels of a joint military exercise that will be conducted against the backdrop of increasing tension between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

Australia is the second country after the United States that has a visiting forces agreement with the Philippines.

One of the Royal Australian Navy’s largest warships, the helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02), will take part in the Aug. 20 to Aug. 31 exercise. It will dock in Palawan, the home base of the military’s Western Command.

Reinforcing partnership

During Albanese’s visit, the Philippines and Australia would be reinforcing their partnership in such areas as defense and security, trade, and maritime affairs, the PCO said.

Albanese earlier said in a statement that Manila and Canberra’s relationship “is built on close defense and security cooperation, increasing economic relations and warm personal ties, including through the vibrant Filipino-Australian community.”

‘Exercise Alon’

The two countries had earlier discussed the possibility of conducting joint maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea, waters within the country’s 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ), much of which is being claimed by China.

In February this year, Mr. Marcos told Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles during a meeting in Malacañang that his visit would be “an important part of the response” to recent aggressive acts by the Chinese Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea.

Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said in May that Mr. Marcos might visit Australia in March next year for the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Australia Dialogue Relations.

About 2,000 troops—700 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 1,200 from the Australian Defense Forces, and 150 US Marines—will participate in “Exercise Alon” (Wave), which is aimed at strengthening interoperability between Filipino and Australian forces.

Bilateral amphibious exercise

It will include the first bilateral amphibious exercise between the Philippines and Australia.

The drills are part of Indo-Pacific Endeavor, Australia’s flagship military engagement in the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean regions. It aims to enhance security, stability, and stronger partnerships.

In 2022, Australia was the 14th-largest trading partner of the Philippines and its 18th export market, the Department of Trade and Industry reported. According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in 2021, the Philippines-Australia two-way trade reached $6.2 billion while their two-way investment was worth $8.9 billion.

Since 1946, the two countries have maintained a close partnership and military ties, forging the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in 2012 following a 1995 memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Cooperative Defense Activities.

Quad member

In 2003, the two countries signed an MOU to combat international terrorism.

These agreements allowed the two countries to undertake joint exercises, high-level visits, dialogues, and exchanges.

In 2019, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Program was established to set a closer and longer-term defense relationship. It focuses on military professionalism, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime security.

Australia, the United States, India, and Japan are members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, a strategic security coalition to promote a “free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.”

In June, the Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia held their first quadrilateral defense ministerial meeting. They agreed to improve the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness through efforts, including Japan’s new “Official Security Assistance” cooperation framework and the Quad’s Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness.

The group also committed to strengthen efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

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Australia and the Philippines to run joint naval patrols through South China Sea

Australia will run joint naval patrols with the Philippines through the contested waters of the South China Sea.

Key points:

• Mr Marcos has thanked Mr Albanese for his support in the Philippines' disputes with China in the South China Sea
• The joint statement outlining the partnership also noted Australia's AUKUS alliance
• Planned changes to working holiday visa opportunities between the two countries have also been announced

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met his Philippines counterpart, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, in Manila where the agreement was announced.

The visit was the first bilateral visit by an Australian prime minister in two decades, and came as the Philippines takes an increasingly critical view of China's posturing in the region.

It also occurred just a day after the prime minister met Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Jakarta, and formally accepted an invitation to visit Beijing later this year.

During the visit to Manila, Mr Marcos thanked Mr Albanese for his support in the Philippines' disputes with China in the South China Sea.

"A word of thanks to you, Mr Prime Minister for the strong support that you have made for the Philippines…where you have made very clear that the claims that are being made upon our Philippine maritime territory are not valid, have not been recognised and are not consistent with international law," he said.

"To have friends like you, and partners like you, especially on that subject is very gratifying and encourages us to continue down that path."

Mr Albanese reiterated Australia's position on the South China Sea disputes.

"We have common views about the need to uphold international law, and Australia's position on that will continue to be consistent," he said.

"As we have always been including, recently over issues relating to the South China Sea."

The short visit to the Philippines was just the latest by senior Australian government figures over recent months.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles visited just weeks ago to observe joint military exercises, and Foreign Minister Penny Wong was in the country for an official visit only a few months prior.

There has been a level of surprise among some in government ranks about the pace at which the Philippines has pivoted towards the West under the Marcos administration.

Asked how his visit to Manila squared with his talks with China's Mr Li just a day prior, Mr Albanese said his approach is consistent no matter who he is meeting with.

"We have positive relations, we are trying to develop our relationships throughout the entire region," he said.

"And I've said with regard to China we will cooperate where we can, we will disagree where we must, but will engage in our national interest.

"The Philippines is an important country for Australia, I think twenty years is too long for there to be a gap in bilateral visits."

Australia already runs naval patrols through the South China Sea, and has done so alongside other allies like the United States.

The commitment to joint naval patrols alongside the Philippines was made as the relationship between the two countries was elevated to a "strategic partnership".

The joint statement outlining the partnership also noted Australia's AUKUS alliance, which has previously caused some contention among other South-East Asia neighbours.

"We look forward to the positive contribution to AUKUS security partnership will have to the collective security and stability of the region."

Changes to working holiday visas between the Philippines and Australia

The trip also saw the announcement of planned changes to working holiday visa opportunities between the two countries.

Under the plans, working holiday visas will be offered to Australians and Filipinos aged between 18 and 31, for up to 12 months.

There are additional requirements – visa holders will need at least two years of tertiary-level study, and those coming from the Philippines will need a basic level of English.

Only 200 of the visas will be issued by either country each year.

Visas and migration issues more broadly were highlighted as substantial issue among South-East Asia business leaders in the federal government's new Investment Strategy for the region.

When asked in recent days about more substantial changes to visa arrangements, Mr Albanese has pointed to the government's migration review, which it is yet to formally respond to.

A memorandum of understanding was also agreed regarding new Australian assistance to the Philippines in improving soil health.

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Philippines’ President Marcos to give rare speech to Australia’s Parliament

CANBERRA – Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will address a rare joint sitting of Australia’s parliament in a sign of Canberra’s deepening ties with South-east Asian nations at a time of strategic competition in the region.

Mr Marcos will speak to Australian lawmakers in Canberra on Feb 29, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Feb 12. A joint sitting of both houses of parliament is a rare honour previously only accorded to leaders such as US Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape became the first Pacific leader to address Australia’s parliament last week, highlighting Mr Albanese’s efforts to elevate the significance of relationships across the Indo-Pacific. It also suggests that invitations to speak on the floor of parliament are becoming a tool of diplomacy for Australia’s centre-left government.

“It’s a reminder that our most important relationships are here in our neighbourhood,” Mr Albanese said on Feb 12, adding that Mr Marcos was a “great friend” of Australia. “And the Philippines of course is an important nation for us.”

The Philippines and US navies last week held their third joint patrol in the South China Sea in less than three months, as Mr Marcos tries to assert Manila’s claims in the disputed waters, where Beijing has sweeping ambitions. Australia is seeking out like-minded nations that are trying to hedge against China’s increasing regional clout and the Philippines is a logical prospect.

Mr Albanese became the first sitting Australian prime minister in 20 years to hold a bilateral visit to the Philippines in September 2023. During his trip, the Australian leader signed an agreement with Mr Marcos to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership.

Mr Marcos is visiting ahead of the Asean-Australia summit due to begin in Melbourne on March 4. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will also make state visits to Australia around the Asean trip. BLOOMBERG

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Australia PM urges activists to 'turn the heat down' after U.S. Consulate vandalized over Gaza war

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged activists on both sides of the Israel-Palestinian debate to “turn the heat down” after the U.S. Consulate in Sydney was vandalized on Monday.

CCTV footage showed a person wearing a dark hoodie using a small sledgehammer to smash nine holes in the reinforced glass windows of the building in North Sydney after 3 a.m., a police statement said.

Two inverted red triangles, seen by many as a symbol of Palestinian resistance, were also painted on the front of the building.

Albanese urged people to have “respectful political debate and discourse.”

“People are traumatized by what is going on in the Middle East, particularly those with relatives in either Israel or in the Palestinian Occupied Territories,” Albanese told reporters.

“And I just say, again, reiterate my call to turn the heat down and measures such as painting the U.S. consulate do nothing to advance the cause of those who have committed what is, of course, a crime to damage property,” Albanese added.

The consulate was closed on Monday because of a public holiday in New South Wales state but would reopen on Tuesday, a consulate statement said.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said an overwhelming majority of Australians did not approve of such vandalism.

“We can make our point in this country without resorting to violence or malicious behavior,” Minns said.

The consulate was sprayed with graffiti in April, including the words “Freee (sic) Gaza.” The U.S. Consulate in Melbourne was vandalized by pro-Palestinian activists on May 31.

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Australian leader tells activists to ‘turn the heat down’ after US Consulate vandalized over Gaza

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged activists on both sides of the Israel-Palestinian debate to “turn the heat down” after a U.S. consulate in Sydney was vandalized. Police said nine windows on the building in North Sydney were damaged by a hammer in the early hours of Monday, and two inverted triangles were spray painted on the doors.

A couple walks past the boarded windows at the U.S. consulate as police investigate the vandalism in Sydney, Monday, June 10, 2024. A suspect is believed to have smashed nine holes in the reinforced glass windows of the building in North Sydney after 3 a.m., a police statement said. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

• Copy Link copied

Police investigate vandalism at the U.S. consulate in Sydney, Monday, June 10, 2024. A suspect is believed to have smashed nine holes in the reinforced glass windows of the building in North Sydney after 3 a.m., a police statement said. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

A forensic officer walks past boarded windows at the U.S. consulate as police investigate the vandalism in Sydney, Monday, June 10, 2024. A suspect is believed to have smashed nine holes in the reinforced glass windows of the building in North Sydney after 3 a.m., a police statement said. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

SYDNEY (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged activists on both sides of the Israel-Palestinian debate to “turn the heat down” after the U.S. Consulate in Sydney was vandalized on Monday.

Surveillance video showed a person wearing a dark hoodie using a small sledgehammer to smash nine holes in the reinforced glass windows of the building in North Sydney after 3 a.m., a police statement said.

Two inverted red triangles, seen by some as a symbol of Palestinian resistance but by others as supporting the militant group Hamas, were also painted on the front of the building.

Albanese urged people to have “respectful political debate and discourse.”

“People are traumatized by what is going on in the Middle East, particularly those with relatives in either Israel or in the Palestinian Occupied Territories,” Albanese told reporters.

“And I just say, again, reiterate my call to turn the heat down and measures such as painting the U.S. consulate do nothing to advance the cause of those who have committed what is, of course, a crime to damage property,” Albanese added.

The consulate was closed on Monday because of a public holiday in New South Wales state but would reopen on Tuesday, a consulate statement said.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said an overwhelming majority of Australians did not approve of such vandalism.

“We can make our point in this country without resorting to violence or malicious behavior,” Minns said.

The consulate was sprayed with graffiti in April, including the words “Freee (sic) Gaza.” The U.S. Consulate in Melbourne was vandalized by pro-Palestinian activists on May 31.

New Zealand Deputy PM to visit Philippines this week

N ew Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Rt. Hon.  Winston Peters is set to visit the Philippines this week to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and boosting cooperation across several fields.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said  Peters is set to meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.  Peters is also scheduled to witness the signing of the agreement between the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the New Zealand Enterprise on Ease of Doing Business.

“The discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, exploring opportunities to deepen existing cooperation on defense, economy, renewable energy, and people-to-people linkages, among others,” the DFA said in a statement.

The visit comes ahead of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in July 2026, along with mutual interests in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the Philippines in April, during which he met with President Ferdinand  “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., with the two countries looking to review existing bilateral migrant worker arrangements for the recruitment of overseas  Filipino workers (OFWs).

Luxon also discussed possible investment opportunities in sectors such as dairy, meat, wood, and technology with the Philippine private sector. — DVM, GMA Integrated News

This article New Zealand Deputy PM to visit Philippines this week was originally published in GMA News Online .

China Premier Li to visit New Zealand this week says Prime Minister Chris Luxon

WELLINGTON: Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit New Zealand this week,said New Zeland Prime Minister Chris Luxon on Monday,a rare visit expected to focus on bolstering trade while setting aside security concerns.

Li will be the first Chinese premier to visit New Zealand since 2017, embarking on a trip that is widely tipped to also take him to Australia.

China is New Zealand's largest export destination, and Wellington has been one of Beijing's closest partners among Western democracies.

But relations have become strained in recent years as China has looked to expand its military and diplomatic reach across the Pacific.

"I look forward to warmly welcoming Premier Li in New Zealand. The premier's visit is a valuable opportunity for exchanges on areas of cooperation between New Zealand and China, Luxon said in a statement."

I look forward to warmly welcoming Premier Li in New Zealand this week. The Premier’s visit is a valuable opportunity for exchanges on areas of cooperation between New Zealand and China. — Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) June 10, 2024

Luxon said Li -- China's number two official -- would arrive to a ceremonial welcome and official dinner "later this week", before a series of bilateral meetings.

Li follows a string of high-powered Chinese delegates who have made the trip to New Zealand in recent months.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi held high-level talks during a visit to the capital Wellington earlier this year.

 Smoothing differences

Jason Young, an expert on China-New Zealand relations, said that New Zealand already has close to a third of our exports going to China. We're kind of at saturation point. Whereas for China, there's a lot more momentum to improve relations.

Li is expected to visit Australia after New Zealand, although Canberra has yet to confirm that leg of the trip.

"The potential visit of the Chinese premier will be confirmed in the usual way," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters on Monday.

China and Australia have been patching up their own relationship in the wake of a bitter and costly trade dispute.

Starting in 2020, a slew of Australia's most lucrative export commodities were effectively banned from China.

But as relations have improved under a new government in Canberra, China has dropped tariffs on Australian beef, barley and wine, halted an import ban on timber and resumed shipments of coal.

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