May is a very special month for us here in the Australian Embassy. Through a Presidential Proclamation in 2016, 22 May of each year is officially declared Philippines-Australia Friendship Day. We celebrate a friendship that has endured in times of adversity and prosperity. From trade and investment to maritime security, defense and development, both Australia and the Philippines recognize we are stronger the more we work together.

We live in a world where there is a premium on true friends — friends who have always been there for each other; who have similar values; who live close to each other; friends who share a future together. We each need our true friends more than ever to tackle these challenges and seize the opportunities together.

There is much to look forward to as we deepen our friendship and stand shoulder to shoulder to realise our common goals for a stable, peaceful and prosperous region.

Australia and the Philippines are such friends. This year, we mark 77 years of diplomatic relationship. Just last week, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong visited to reaffirm Australia’s commitment to strengthen our cooperation and elevate our relations into a Strategic Partnership.

I am delighted our bilateral relationship continues to go from strength to strength. Such growth does not happen by itself, however, and looking to the future, I am excited to work with our Philippine partners and friends to deepen our friendship — one that is forged by strategic cooperation, genuine partnership and mutual respect.

There is much to look forward to as we deepen our friendship and stand shoulder to shoulder to realize our common goals for a stable, peaceful and prosperous region.