H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia, shares the Philippine perspective on the history and future direction of the Philippines-Australia relations during the PAA’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on 14 March 2021.

14 March 2021 (Canberra) – The Philippine-Australian Association of the ACT and the Monaro Region (PAA) held a Philippine Heritage Day celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia on 14 March 2021 in Canberra.

H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia, shared the Philippine perspective on this important bilateral relationship stating, “Our 75th Anniversary invites us to look back at our shared history and to move together in unison towards a mature bilateral partnership that is responsive to the ever-growing complexity of our regional security landscape. I welcome this initiative of PAA in celebrating this milestone in our bilateral relationship and the opportunity for us to share our insights on the history and the future of this relationship.”

Ambassador Amanda Gorely reflected on her experience as Australian Ambassador to the Philippines from 2016 to 2018 and her travels all over the Philippines which provided her with the opportunity to appreciate the Philippines’ complex and rich cultural heritage.

Ambassador Nicholas Copper said he was encouraged by the great progress in the bilateral relationship since his posting in Manila as Deputy Chief of Mission from 1997 to 1999 noting that the two countries are natural partners in the region.

The event included musical interludes from Australian musicians Heart Strings who played famous folk songs from the Philippines and Canberra Harmony Chorus who sang famous Australian songs. END

H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia, Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely, and former Australian Ambassador Nicholas Coppel were the guest speakers during the PAA Philippine Heritage Day celebration on 14 March 2021 in Canberra. PAA is led by its President Erico Soliman.