Australian Embassy
The Philippines

Snapshots of Synergy: Celebrating 60 years of Australia-Philippines Relations

SNAPSHOTS OF SYNERGY:
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF AUSTRALIA-PHILIPPINES RELATIONS

The Australian Embassy Manila recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of formal Australia-Philippines relations with a photographic exhibition at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. The launch of the exhibition, the first in a series of events marking the anniversary, was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, and the media.

Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Australian Minister for Justice and Customs Senator Christopher Ellison and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo. They were joined by Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Tony Hely and Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Asia and Pacific Affairs Executive Director Charles Jose.

In his remarks, Senator Ellison stated that increasingly close governmental cooperation, particularly in the areas of development, defence and law enforcement, and growing people-to-people links through trade, investment, tourism and migration continued to strengthen the ties between Australia and the Philippines.

Secretary Romulo said that the friendship and cooperation between our two nations had developed steadily and cited trust, confidence and respect as key characteristics of the partnership.

Formal relations were established when Australia opened its first Consulate General in Manila on 22 May 1946. Today, the relationship is strong and continues to develop at an exciting pace.

Highlighting the increasing breadth and depth of the relationship between both countries, the exhibition captures Australia’s commitment and involvement in the Philippines. The exhibition consists of 150 photographs and depicts the different dimensions of our ties, including Australia’s active involvement in the campaign for the Philippines’ liberation during World War II and the stories of Filipino migrants in Australia.

The photographic exhibition is scheduled to be hosted by various organisations and universities in Manila and key cities around the Philippines for public viewing.