PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

30 January 2025, CANBERRA - Following his presentation of credentials on 04 December 2024, Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio Morales held a series of productive meetings with all ASEAN Heads of Mission in Canberra in December 2024 to January 2025. These engagements underscored the Philippines' commitment to fostering strong regional cooperation and advancing shared goals within the ASEAN community.

The meetings provided a platform for Ambassador Morales to discuss key regional issues, deepen bilateral ties, and reaffirm the importance of ASEAN's collective efforts in promoting economic growth, cultural exchange, and peace in the Indo-Pacific. Ambassador Morales met with:

      ● H.E. Pham Hung Tam, Ambassador of Viet Nam – 06 December 2024
      ● H.E. Sinchai Manivanh, Ambassador of Lao PDR – 10 December 2024
      ● H.E. Cheunboran Chanborey, Ambassador of Cambodia – 12 December 2024
      ● H.E. Siswo Pramono, Ambassador of Indonesia – 17 December 2024
      ● H.E. Anil Nayar, High Commissioner of Singapore – 07 January 2025
      ● H.E. Sharinna Abdullah, High Commissioner of Malaysia – 13 January 2025
      ● H.E. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand – 13 January 2025
      ● H.E. Inês Maria de Almeida, Ambassador of Timor-Leste – 13 January 2025
      ● Mr. Nawawi Bolhassan, Acting High Commissioner of Brunei – 14 January 2025
      ● Mr. Thet Tun, Chargé d’affaires of Myanmar – 17 January 2025

During these engagements, Ambassador Morales also highlighted the Philippines’ priorities, including sustainable economic development, digital transformation, energy security, and people-to-people connectivity. The Heads of ASEAN Missions also explored opportunities to deepen ASEAN-Australia cooperation especially in light of the 50th anniversary of the dialogue relations in 2024.

Malaysia is the Chair of ASEAN for 2025 while Singapore is the current Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Canberra (ACC). The other members of ASEAN are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, with Timor-Leste as in-principle member. The Philippines will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026. - END