Secretary Locsin, Australian FM Penny Wong Reaffirm Commitment to Fortify PH-AU Ties

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (left) and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong (right) during the call on 24 June 2022. (DFA-ASPAC Photo)

PASAY CITY 28 June 2022 - Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong engaged in friendly discussions during the first video call between the two officials on 24 June 2022.

Secretary Locsin highlighted the strengths of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Australia. He said that the Philippines looks forward to working on the draft Joint Declaration for elevating relations to a Strategic Partnership this year.

Foreign Minister Wong expressed appreciation for the contributions and personal commitment of Secretary Locsin in further strengthening the bilateral relations, as well as for being a friend to Australia. She stressed that Australia sees the relationship with the Philippines as a very important part of how it deals with the Southeast Asian region, especially in relation to upholding international law.

Foreign Minister Wong assumed office on 23 May 2022. The Philippines and Australia marked 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2021. END