Secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Ms Jan Adams AO PSM visited the Philippines this week to launch the Philippines-Australia Development Partnership Plan 2024-29 and meet a range of senior government leaders and officials. Secretary Adams’ visit highlighted the close cooperation between Australia and the Philippines under our Strategic Partnership.
Through the new Development Partnership Plan, Australia is investing in inclusive programs that are responsive to the Philippines’ development needs. Australia prepared the Plan in partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and through close consultation with over 50 stakeholders, including the Government of the Philippines, development partners, academia, civil society organisations and the private sector.
Australia’s development partnership with the Philippines is its fifth largest worldwide, amounting to AUD$94.2 million (₱3.6 billion) in Financial Year 2024-25. Over the last 20 years, Australia has contributed over AUD$1.6 billion (₱63 million) to development in the Philippines.
During her two-day visit, Secretary Adams met Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jr, Secretary of Trade and Industry Cristina Roque, National Security Advisor Eduardo Año and other senior government representatives including from the Department of Foreign Affairs. The meetings advanced our shared priorities, including deep strategic defence ties and an ambitious trade and economic agenda.
Secretary Adams received welcome honours during her visit to the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters in Port Area, Manila. During the visit to the PCG, the head of DFAT led the gifting of 21 ultra compact marine radio to support the communication needs of the Coast Guard’s Palawan District.