JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has expressed gratitude to Australia for supporting the Philippines’ stand on the South China Sea issue and for its aid to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on education, defense, health, and digital transformation.

Marcos said this during the third ASEAN-Australia Summit here on Thursday, Sept. 7.

In his remarks, the President told Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that he welcomed Australia’s active engagement in maritime-related issues and concerns in the region and expressed high hopes for stronger ASEAN-Australia relations.

He likewise thanked the Australian leader for Australia’s concern about the latest actions directed against the Philippines in the South China Sea.

“We join Australia on the call for peace, stability, and respect for the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS),” Marcos added.

He also thanked Australia for supporting the Philippines’ hosting of the 12th ASEAN Maritime Forum and the 10th Expanded Maritime Forum in Manila last December.

Last month, President Marcos observed the first ALON war games in Zambales that aimed to fortify the capabilities of the Marine Amphibious Ready Unit and bolster the country’s coastal defense capabilities with the help of its allies, particularly the US and Australia.

Albanese will be heading to the Philippines for an Official Visit on Sept. 8, immediately after the 43rd ASEAN Summit closing ceremony on Thursday evening.

ASEAN-Australia ties

President Marcos recognized that Australia’s partnership with ASEAN goes beyond maritime cooperation. He acknowledged its contribution to the Project-based Community Medical Deployment / Medical Aid Provision Initiative under the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus Experts’ Working Group on Military Medicine, a substantial and practical contribution in harmonizing much-needed regional military medical capabilities.

Marcos noted that Australia has been helping ASEAN in the areas of health, education, development, and digital transformation – “all of which are areas that are being reinvigorated by the all-encompassing Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative or Aus4ASEAN.”

Among the Aus4ASEAN initiatives is food security, both an ASEAN and Philippine policy priority.

“We especially welcome the adoption of the ASEAN-Australia Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Cooperation on Food Security in Times of Crises as food security and nutrition during crises are a common concern shared by all ASEAN Member States,” Marcos said.

With the Philippines signing onto the Second Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), the President is optimistic about an improved flow of goods, services, and investments between ASEAN and Australia.

As ASEAN’s Comprehensive Strategic Partner, Marcos expressed confidence that the bloc’s relations with Australia will deepen and further diversify to provide lasting positive gains for the present generation and beyond.