Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Hon. Richard Marles and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte (Photo by OVP MPRD)

MANILA, 22 February 2023 – Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles paid a courtesy call on Philippine Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on 22 February 2023, immediately prior to the former’s courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

Deputy Prime Minister Marles acknowledged the strategic alliance between Philippines and Australia and stressed the importance of transforming the two countries’ relationship. Vice President Duterte agreed and underscored the need to elevate the Philippines-Australia relationship to strategic level.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles signs the Guest Book of the Office of the Vice President with Vice President Sara Z. Duterte (Photo by OVP MPRD)

In addition to the above, the Vice President discussed security and education, among others. Vice President Duterte shared Davao’s experience in fighting insurgency and the creation of Peace 911, which the Office of the Vice President will be adopting.

The Vice President also acknowledged the challenges in the education sector, and stressed the need to transform basic education. Deputy Prime Minister Marles agreed that education is a challenging portfolio and mentioned that the educational assistance of Australia plays a big part in the Philippines-Australia relations.

The Philippines and Australia are celebrating 77 years of diplomatic relations in 2023.