MANILA — Australia on Friday renewed its pledge to remain a reliable ally of the Philippines as the two countries marked the 80th year of their diplomatic partnership with ceremonies in Quezon City.
The Australian Embassy said Canberra remains dedicated to enhancing collaboration with Manila across various sectors, including defense, maritime cooperation, commerce, education, infrastructure development, and cultural exchanges.
Officials from both countries gathered at the Quezon Memorial Shrine, which was lit in Australia’s national colors of green and gold to symbolize the enduring friendship between the longtime partners.
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia officially began on May 22, 1946 with the establishment of the Australian Consulate in Manila in the aftermath of World War II.
Since then, the relationship has steadily expanded into a broader strategic partnership aimed at addressing regional security concerns and promoting economic growth in the Indo-Pacific.
Part of Friday’s commemoration included the groundbreaking of a historical marker recognizing Australia’s role in sheltering President Manuel L. Quezon and the Philippine Commonwealth government during the Second World War.
Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown said the wartime support extended by Australia reflected a bond that has continued through generations.
He emphasized that the relationship now goes beyond diplomacy, citing extensive defense cooperation and the growing Filipino-Australian community numbering more than 400,000.
During the Japanese occupation in 1942, Quezon and his officials escaped from Corregidor and traveled through several Philippine islands before reaching Darwin, Australia. They later continued to Melbourne where they received support from Australian authorities and Allied forces led by General Douglas MacArthur.
The celebration was attended by senior Philippine and Australian officials, including Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim, NHCP Executive Director Carminda Arevalo, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.
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