12 August 2005, Sydney – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo said that relations between the Philippines and Australia have entered a new phase of closer and more intense relations and cooperation as a result of the holding of the Inaugural Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting (PAMM) today in Sydney. A copy of the Secretary’s statement at the Joint Press Conference is available at www.dfa.gov.ph.

Speaking to reporters at the Joint Press conference after the PAMM, the Secretary said that while Philippines-Australia relations are already on firm footing, “As a result of today’s meeting, we are even more ready and determined to take further and bolder steps in continuing to strengthen these relations.”

He added that because of the importance of holding regular consultations at a ministerial level, “We’ve just signed a Memorandum of Understanding that formalizes our bilateral ministerial consultations.  We will hold one every two years, more often if necessary, and we will include the agencies that are directly involved in the issues.

“This MOU is an important measure in building even closer relations between our two countries -- relations that are firmly anchored on our shared values and interests and our recognition of the importance of working with others in addressing present and future challenges,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary also lauded the adoption of an Action Plan on RP-Australia relations that covers specific understandings on bilateral cooperation in the areas of security and economic cooperation.

We focused our discussions on the future integration of the region, our common regional security issues, and the central role being played by ASEAN in our region.

“Acknowledging our gain in the war on terrorism, Australia agreed to double its assistance to us on counter-terrorism to A$10M (US$7.5M). We also agreed to broaden our cooperation on border security and on fighting transnational crimes, including piracy and human trafficking,” the Secretary said.
 
“To strengthen and better coordinate cooperation in addressing the pressing issue of terrorism, we announced our commitment to establish a bilateral mechanism that will harness the full potentials of inter-agency consultation and coordination on counter-terrorism,” the Secretary added.

On the inter-faith initiatives of the Philippines, the Secretary said that Australia continues to throw its full support behind the Philippines. “We agreed to work closely together on the promotion of interfaith dialogue as a means to build peace, tolerance and understanding.  In this context, we will host next year in the Philippines, with the cooperation and support of Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand, a regional interfaith summit”

“Australia also welcomed the imminent success of our peace efforts in the Southern Philippines and pledged to provide continuing support for our efforts at building peace, particularly by providing development assistance to conflict and post-conflict areas,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary said that discussions also focused on trade and economic cooperation.  “We received the assurances of the Australian delegation of the continued interest of Australian companies in investing in mining, infrastructure and information and communication technology in the Philippines, as well as providing technical assistance in these areas.  I am particularly welcome Australia’s commitment to increase cooperation on the BIMP-EAGA,” the Secretary said.

The two delegations also touched upon the global trading situation and market access for Philippine products into Australia.  “We agreed to work towards achieving some progress in resolving existing bilateral disputes on market access and quarantine issues,” the Secretary said.
 
“We also discussed the trade in services, particularly opportunities for the Philippines in the information technology sector of Australia,” he added.  He welcomed, in particular the commitment of Australia to provide A$34M (US$25.5M) over 5 years to improve land administration system, which would encourage potential investors in key areas like mining.

There was also agreement to boost cooperation in the education sector. “Australia agreed to look into possible measures that would address our desire for Philippine educational qualifications to be properly recognized in Australia.  The proper recognition of the qualifications of our graduates would allow them to be properly employed and compensated and would help in preventing illegal recruitment and exploitation,” the Secretary said.
 
“The Department will be working closely with the concerned agencies of our government and with our embassy in Canberra to follow-up on the gains of this meeting,” the Secretary said. END