25 July 2016 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed the strong and positive partnership between the Philippines and Australia, which has been elevated to Comprehensive Partnership with the signing of the Joint Declaration on 18 November 2015 in Manila. He also congratulated FM Bishop on her reappointment as Foreign Minister.
Secretary Yasay and FM Bishop affirmed the very strong and positive relations between the Philippines and Australia, which is commemorating its 70th year this year. They also expressed satisfaction that both countries are now Comprehensive Partners; and looked forward to Australia’s forthcoming hosting of the 5th Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting in Canberra.
FM Bishop said Australia is very keen on its relations with the Philippines. She reiterated Australia’s statements on the issuance of the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling (PCA), specifically with respect to the ruling as final and binding and urged all parties to de-escate tension in the area. Secretary Yasay thanked Australia for its statement on the ruling, and Australia’ strong support for the rule of law.
Secretary Yasay and FM Bishop met for the first time on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and Related Meetings in Vientiane, Laos. END