Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives in Malacañang to hold a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, September 8. | PHOTO: Official facebook page of the Presidential Communications Office
MANILA, Philippines — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday morning arrived at Malacañang and met with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as part of his official visit to the Philippines.
This is the first time a head of state from Australia visited the Philippines since 2003.
It was both Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos who welcomed Albanese the moment he arrived in Malacañang — all three also attended the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The two heads of state will then hold a bilateral meeting.
Albanese arrived in the country on Friday at 2:00 a.m., around the same time Marcos returned from the Asean Summit.
LOOK: Australian PM Anthony Albanese arrives in the Philippines for an official visit. Both fresh from the Asean Summit in Jakarta, Albanese and Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will discuss trade, security, and maritime affairs in Manila.
📷 RTV Malacañang @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/0f302ClY2Z
— Jean Mangaluz (@JMangaluzINQ) September 7, 2023
The Palace previously said Albanese’s visit is anticipated to enhance the relationship between Australia and the Philippines.