President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received on Thursday Australia’s Governor-General David Hurley for a bilateral meeting at Malacañang Palace after his inauguration.

This was the first face-to-face meeting between the new chief executive and a foreign head of state.

The Governor-General is also the highest-level dignitary to attend Marcos’ inauguration at the National Museum on June 30, reflecting the importance Australia places on its long-standing relations with the Philippines.

“I am delighted to be in the Philippines, one of Australia’s closest neighbors, to see the work our countries are doing to elevate our bilateral partnership towards a Strategic Partnership. Our enduring friendship is anchored by our values of mateship and bayanihan,” Hurley said.

During their meeting, the heads of state discussed the expanding cooperation between Australia and the Philippines in defense, development, trade and people-to-people links.

The Australian Embassy in Manila said the leaders also reiterated the two countries’ commitment to peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (PNA)