Marcos leaves Australia after a two-day state visit

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses the Australian Parliament in Canberra, Australia, on Thursday, February 29, 2024. (Photo from RTV Malacañang)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is on his way back to the Philippines after his two-day trip to Australia.

During his stay in Australia, Marcos addressed the country’s parliament, calling Australia an important ally in maintaining a rules-based order in the Philippines.

“Your leaders have always taken the position that the destiny of Australia is irrevocably linked to the destiny of Asia,” Marcos said in his speech.

“Over the years, you have held true to this tenet. You have become a valuable member of Asia and of the Indo-Pacific community,” he noted.

The President also witnessed the signing of three deals between Australia and the Philippines.

In particular, Australia and the Philippines have agreed to enhance maritime cooperation. 

“The three agreements exchanged today shall enhance information sharing, capability building, and interoperability between our relevant government agencies in the maritime domain and maritime environment, cyber and critical technology, and competition law,” Marcos said in a statement.

The Philippine leader will return to Australia on Monday for the joint summit between Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.