PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

01 July 2025, Perth - Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Antonio A. Morales paid a courtesy call on Hon. Jackie Jarvis, Minister representing Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, at the WA Parliament House on 01 July 2025. The meeting focused on deepening trade and investment, and education cooperation.

Ambassador Morales underscored the Philippines’ interest in expanding its renewable energy capacity and expressed keen interest in advancing transnational education initiatives and joint research with WA’s universities.

Minister Jarvis welcomed the Ambassador and emphasized WA’s diverse economic strengths, including its abundant natural resources, advanced meat processing and abattoir facilities, and high-value agricultural exports. She highlighted the state’s commitment to sustainable innovation.

Following the meeting, Minister Jarvis hosted a state luncheon in honor of the Ambassador, attended by 20 guests from the WA Government, including Shadow Minister for Finance, Major Infrastructure and Workforce Development Hon. Tjorn Sibma, as well as representatives from key industries including agriculture, mining, education, and multicultural affairs.

In her remarks, Minister Jarvis highlighted the strong people-to-people links between WA and the Philippines and recognized the significant contributions of Filipino skilled workers to the state’s workforce.

The Ambassador expressed his appreciation to the WA Government for its continued recognition and support of the Filipino community. He also reflected on the longstanding cultural ties between the Philippines and Australia, citing the early Filipino migrants who settled in Broome and integrated with Aboriginal communities as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two peoples.

He reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to deepening economic and cultural ties with Western Australia and expressed optimism about future cooperation in tourism, education, and business especially as the Philippines and Australia approach the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

WA and the Philippines have a robust trade relationship with wheat comprising 43% of WA’s goods exports to the Philippines in recent trade figures, followed by gold ore (28%) and copper ore (18%). - END