Philippines elections

Australia congratulates President-Elect Rodrigo Duterte on his election as President of the Republic of the Philippines.

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.

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.

Our countries share similar values and interests, including a commitment to democracy, and a determination to work for peace, security and economic growth.

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.

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.

Australia will work with the new Philippines Government on alignment of our economic partnership to support continued economic, governance and social reforms that are important to inclusive economic growth. We anticipate that the gains of recent years can be sustained and built upon.