Duterte, Australian PM discuss bilateral relations via phone call

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison discuss views on strengthening Philippines-Australia bilateral relations and regional and multilateral cooperation during a phone call at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on November 30, 2020. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOS

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte spoke to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison via phone call on Monday to discuss Philippine-Australia bilateral relations and regional and multilateral cooperation, including the results of the 37th Asean Summit and Related Summits.

Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Robert Eric Borje confirmed the “productive exchange” between the two leaders in a statement sent to reporters.

“In a telephone conversation held today (Monday), the President welcomed Australia’s interest to enhance cooperation with Asean on maritime security, countering marine plastic debris, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity, which are priority issues of the Philippines,” Borje said.

Borje said Duterte also welcomed Australia’s pledge of support for Asean’s Covid-19 response and recovery efforts, citing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) as key frameworks that could help boost economic recovery and growth in the region.

The RCEP is a comprehensive trade and investment agreement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam — and its five free trade agreement (FTA) partners –Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and South Korea.

Through the AANZFTA, 90 percent of tariffs were eliminated and barriers to trade in services have been progressively liberalized following increased market access.

“President Duterte also noted the growing ties between the Philippines and Australia, stressing that the Philippines looks forward to the adoption of a Plan of Action to further implement the Joint Declaration of the Philippines-Australia Comprehensive Partnership,” he added.

Borje said Duterte thanked Morrison for Australia’s generous assistance for the victims of Super Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses and for the country’s Covid-19 response.

He said Duterte also thanked the government of Australia for its formal manifestation before the United Nations affirming the Arbitral Award on the South China Sea issue.

“We consider Australia a close partner in upholding international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and in promoting maritime security,” the President was quoted as saying.

Morrison, for his part, expressed commitment to further strengthen Australia-Philippines cooperation and partnership on areas of mutual interest.

He also welcomed continuing developments that showed the value and strength of Philippines-Australia ties.

During his speech at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Duterte raised the issue of the West Philippine Sea for the first time, years after the release of the arbitral award.

He rejected attempts to undermine the arbitral ruling, saying it “is now part of international law, beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish or abandon”.