Australian Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite visited the Philippines on Wednesday to lead a business mission aimed at boosting trade and investment between Australia and Southeast Asia.
During the visit, he highlighted the strong relationship between the two countries, noting it is at a historic high following the 2023 Strategic Partnership Declaration signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This year also marks 80 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Philippines.
In Manila, Thistlethwaite met with Philippine officials in education, trade, foreign affairs, and technology to expand cooperation, particularly in education and skills training. He also discussed ways to increase two-way trade, which reached a record AUD 11.34 billion last year.
The visit included a delegation of 25 Australian business representatives under the Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange (SEABX). The mission focused on key sectors such as education, infrastructure, green energy, digital economy, and agriculture.
The Australian government said the trip reflects its commitment to strengthening economic ties with the Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian region.
