President Marcos left for Australia on Wednesday, Feb. 28, where he is expected to sign and formalize three agreements during his two-day visit.

Marcos said his visit to Canberra is an opportunity to expand the wide-ranging cooperation of both countries which includes defense and trade.

"I will also have the opportunity to expand our wide-ranging cooperation with Australia through the formalization and signing of three agreements," Marcos said in his departure speech.

The President, however, did not identify the agreements up for formalization and signing.

"Collaboration in these additional fields is a clear indication that the Strategic Partnership which we have embarked upon provides greater energy and optimism for closer cooperation that is mutually beneficial to both Filipinos and Australians," he said.

Marcos would also highlight the huge potential in trade and investment between the two countries, which he said, should be maximized in the coming years.

The Chief Executive departed the country at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday onboard a private aircraft. He will stay in Australia until Feb. 29. He will again visit the country on March 4 to 6 for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Australia Commemorative Summit in Melbourne.

During his two-day visit, Marcos will have the opportunity to address the Parliament of Australia and provide greater detail on the commitments of the Philippines to their partnership.

"I will make sure to acknowledge the ever-growing relations on defense and security with one of our only two Status of Visiting Forces partners as highlighted last year by the success of Exercise Alon and the Maritime Cooperative Activity," Marcos said.

"Finally, I anticipate an enhancement of the mutual understanding between the Philippines and Australia as we share a common vision not just for our bilateral relations, but for the peace and security of the region as well," he added.

Marcos is visiting Australia upon the invitation of Governor-General David Hurley, who visited the Philippines almost two years ago when he represented the Australian people during Marcos' inauguration ceremony.

He said "it is now our turn to reciprocate the visit made by Prime Minister Albanese and extend to our Australian friends our strong commitment to this partnership, to this friendship and this alliance."

"I hope to bring home with me a more robust, warmer, and closer Philippine-Australian relations," he added.