04 May 2023, CANBERRA – Students of international relations at the Australian National University (ANU) visited the Embassy of the Philippines on 3 May 2023 and engaged Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega on developments on the bilateral relations of the Philippines and Australia and the current regional security landscape.

The students represent various degree programs in ANU. The ANU International Relations Society is one of the biggest student-run organizations in the university with undergraduate and post-graduate student members. The visit coincides with the observance of Philippines-Australia Friendship Day celebrated on 22 May of every year by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No 1282 series of 2016.

The Ambassador provided an overview on the history and progress of the partnership of the Philippines and Australia and the commitment of both sides to elevate the relations to a Strategic Partnership. The Ambassador referred to the recent visits to Manila of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP and Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell.

After the briefing, the students were treated to Filipino merienda (light meal) of pancit (noodles) and puto (rice cake) and were sent-off with pasalubong (traveler’s gift) of Filipino products available in the Australian market. -END-