12 April 2021 (Canberra) - H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia, shared the highlights of the 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia with the Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin on 08 April 2021 at the Commonwealth Club in Canberra. Ambassador De La Vega was invited as a guest speaker during the Club’s weekly meeting.

In her remarks, Ambassador De La Vega welcomed the opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of the Philippines-Australia bilateral relationship and said she was very encouraged that many of the Club members had previously visited the Philippines for business and leisure. The Philippines and Australia share a robust security partnership shaped by a long history of defence cooperation. Australia is also a major trade and investment partner of the Philippines with over 300 Australian companies operating in the Philippines in business process management, infrastructure, financial services, ICT and energy sectors. The members of the Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin include former members of the Australian government and private organizations with business interests in the Philippines. END