PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

09 September 2024, CANBERRA – Presidential Assistant on Maritime Concerns General Andres Castor Centino met Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Ma. Hellen Barber De La Vega on 05 September 2024 to discuss advancing maritime cooperation opportunities between the Philippines and Australia in support of the first anniversary of the bilateral Strategic Partnership elevated in September 2023.

The meeting also coincides with the annual celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) every September. This year’s theme, 'Pamana ng Karagatan: Para sa Kinabukasan, Ating Ingatan,' highlights the vital role of safeguarding our oceans for the future.

General Centino delivered remarks highlighting the Philippines’ advocacy for a rules-based maritime order anchored on international law at the Australian Financial Review’s Asia Summit held in Melbourne on 03 September 2024. Fellow Summit speakers also included Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Australian Ambassador to the United States of America Kevin Rudd.

The Philippines and Australia are both original signatories of the UNCLOS, with maritime cooperation serving as a cornerstone of their bilateral partnership. Australia is one of only two countries with a Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines. END