Ambassador to the Philippines

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Hae Kyong (HK) Yu PSM as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Philippines.

Australia and the Philippines have a mature and wide-ranging partnership grounded in shared democratic values and a commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Australia and the Philippines celebrated 75 years of diplomatic ties last year. Looking to the future, we are laying the foundations for the elevation of our relationship to a strategic partnership.

Our enduring friendship is underpinned by strong people-to-people links through trade, investment, cultural exchange, education, tourism and migration.

We have a mutual commitment to broaden economic ties and create optimal conditions for business to flourish, building on our $4.5 billion two-way trade relationship (2020).

Our development partnership ($78.5 million in 2022-23) is supporting the Philippines’ health and education priorities, as well as economic recovery from the pandemic.

We are committed to enhancing maritime security, and to countering terrorism and transnational crime.

Ms Yu is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and was most recently Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Tokyo.

In Canberra, she served as First Assistant Secretary, Middle East and Africa Division, and held a number of senior roles in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and in the Treasury.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Steven Robinson AO for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in the Philippines since 2019.