Australia to Duterte administration: We look forward to continue working with the new Philippines

Despite the comment of Australia's ambassador on Duterte's rape joke that occured prior May 9 elections, the land down under posted a congratulatory message on it's foreign minister's website last friday, 13th of May, for the incoming Philippine President Mr. Rodrigo Duterte.

The post read "Australia congratulates President-Elect Rodrigo Duterte on his election as President of the Republic of the Philippines." Noting our democratic election process saying "This free and open election has taken place in a historic year for Philippines-Australia bilateral relations; this year we celebrate 70 years since diplomatic relations were established with the Philippines."

Further, it said "Australia looks forward to continue working with the new Philippines Government to further develop our enduring bilateral relationship and to address shared regional and global challenges."

It also emphasized the things that unite the two adding "Our countries share similar values and interests, including a commitment to democracy, and a determination to work for peace, security and economic growth."

Moreover, it stated "Australia and the Philippines signed a Comprehensive Partnership in 2015 to deepen our cooperation to advance our mutual interests in trade, development and regional security." Highlighting the ties that become stronger as "Australia and the Philippines have strong and close people-to-people links; there are more than 250,000 Filipino Australians who call Australia home making a positive contribution to our multicultural society and approximately 10,000 Filipino students study at Australian universities. Since its inception 105 Australian students have studied in the Philippines under the New Colombo Plan."

The statement concluded with Australia's plan to fortify relationship with the Philippines' new government that will foster mutual benefits stressing economic partnership's alignment to therefore "support continued economic, governance and social reforms that are important to inclusive economic growth." ending the post with "We anticipate that the gains of recent years can be sustained and built upon."

Source: Foreign MInister AU

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