The call between President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday has been productive where they mainly discussed the strengthening of the cooperation between the Philippines and Australia.
According to Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Presidential Protocol Chief Undersecretary Robert Borje, “the President welcomed Australia’s interest to enhance cooperation with ASEAN on maritime security, countering marine plastic debris, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity, which are priority issues of the Philippines.”
Moreover, the Philippine President expressed gratitude towards Australia’s generous assistance for the typhoon victims and the country’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) response.
USec. Borje added that Pres. Duterte also thanked the Australian government “for its formal manifestation before the United Nations affirming the Arbitral Award on the South China Sea issue.”
For his part, Prime Minister Morrison personally stated his “commitment to further strengthen Australia-Philippines cooperation and partnership on areas of mutual interest.” –Report from Mela Lesmoras
