Philippines, Australia Convene Third Foreign Ministry Consultations

DFA Assistant Secretary Aileen Mendiola-Rau (left photo, 2nd from the left) and Australian DFAT First Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia Dr. Lauren Bain (left photo, 2nd from the right), 24 September 2024.

CANBERRA 09 October 2024 – The Philippines and Australia convened the 3rd Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) on 24 September 2024 in Canberra, Australia. 

Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Aileen Mendiola-Rau and First Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia Maritime Division Dr. Lauren Bain co-chaired the meeting, which reaffirmed the strong ties between the two nations at all levels and across a wide range of areas. 

Both sides reviewed the implementation of the Philippines-Australia Plan of Action 2023-2026, and discussed ways forward on strengthening bilateral cooperation in several key areas, including strategic security, maritime affairs, law enforcement, cybersecurity, development, climate action, environmental protection, energy, human rights, and people-to-people relations. The Philippines and Australia also exchanged insights on regional and multilateral cooperation, with a particular emphasis on regional security issues, during which ASEAN figured prominently in the discussions.

Also present in the meeting were Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, DFAT Assistant Secretary Jane Duke, and other officials of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The next FMC will be hosted by the Philippines in 2026.

The FMC, established in 2020, serves as the primary mechanism for reviewing and advancing both high-level and working-level initiatives across the spectrum of Philippines-Australia bilateral relations. This forum not only facilitates the tracking of progress on key initiatives, but also provides a vital platform for exchanging perspectives on regional security and strategic issues.

The 2nd Philippines-Australia FMC was convened in Manila on 28 February 2022. The Philippines and Australia agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to Strategic Partnership in September 2023. Both countries will celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. END