Australian foreign minister makes first official Philippine trip

Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd is scheduled to arrive Thursday morning in Manila for a two-day official visit.

It will be Rudd’s first official trip to the Philippines since he was sworn into office in September, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“The visit is one of the highlights of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Australia, which is being commemorated this year,” the DFA said in a statement.

During his visit, Rudd will call on President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañang.

Australia’s top diplomat will also meet with his Philippine counterpart, Albert del Rosario.

They are expected to “discuss advancement of political and economic ties, as well as cooperation on defense, development and climate change.”

Rudd and Del Rosario “will also talk about key developments on the upcoming East Asia Summit in November, significant regional and global developments and other issues of mutual interest,” the DFA also said.

Earlier, the Australian Embassy in Makati City announced that Canberra would contribute P25 million in relief aid to victims of Typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel.”

The funds are part of the A$5.15 million in “lifesaving assistance” that the Australian government set aside for typhoon and flood victims in Southeast Asia.

Other recipients of the aid include Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.

The aid “will also help repair damaged agricultural land and irrigation systems,” the embassy said.

In a statement, Rudd said “Australia would provide blankets, mosquito nets, hygiene kits, water containers, kitchen sets, sandbags, and health services to the eight million people in desperate need across the Mekong region of Southeast Asia and the Philippines.”

“Australian support will be directed through partner organizations with a track record in providing disaster response and recovery services in the most affected areas and to the most vulnerable people,” he also said.

In the Philippines, “Australian funding will be delivered through the Philippine National Red Cross to deliver supplies and provide food and income support through cash-for-work schemes,” Rudd added.

Originally posted: 4:37 pm | Wednesday, October 19th, 2011