THE Philippines and Australia held their inaugural Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) via video teleconference to take stock of relations and support the direction of future engagements.
The FMC was cochaired by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Meynardo LB. Montealegre with the Commonwealth of Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Trade First Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia Julie Heckscher.
First conceptualized in 2019 and scheduled to be hosted by Australia as the pandemic occurs, the FMC was established to serve as a chief mechanism to review and support both high- and working-level progresses of key initiatives across the entire spectrum of bilateral relations between both countries. It also serves as a platform for exchanging perspectives on regional developments of mutual interests.
The first FMC on August 4 is also seen to jumpstart substantive preparations for the 75th anniversary of Philippine-Australian diplomatic relations in 2021.
“That we are convening this first FMC amid and [despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)] attest not only to the resilience, but also to the vigor, and even the tenacity, of our relations,” Montealegre said. “It mirrors our resolve to strengthen the foundations of our dynamic and wide-ranging relations, as well as adapt its expression in our cooperation as we approach the diamond jubilee of our ties in 2021.”
Both sides renewed their commitments to strengthen political exchanges and dialogues, defense and security cooperation, including advocating the rule of law and adherence to international law. These especially include the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or Unclos, in the maritime sphere, as well as building on nascent collaboration in countering terrorism and transnational crimes.
Development cooperation also figured prominently in the talks. The Philippines appreciated Australia’s strong support for Mindanao, as well as in the fields of education and training.
The two sides also took the opportunity to affirm mutual support and solidarity amid the Covid-19 health crisis, and exchange messages of appreciation for the assistance rendered by each other’s governments on the repatriation of Filipino and Australian nationals. Both underscored the heightened importance of health cooperation in insulating and adapting overall practical cooperation from future public health threats. DFA
Image credits: DFA