The Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. addresses the Australian parliament in Canberra on Thursday, February 22.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton gave their welcome remarks to the 66-year-old president and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.
"This is a historic occasion for both our democracies. It is also the natural next step in our nation's growing partnership," says Albanese.
Dutton highlighted the qualities of Filipinos which are friendly, faith-fortified and fearless people.
"Millions of Australians will watch your address today, Mr President; and when they do, they will not only see the face of a foreign leader, they will hear the words of a dear friend of Australia," he adds.
Marcos, who served as the 17th president of the Philippines, delivered a historic speech before the members of the Australian Parliament, thereby becoming the first Philippine President to do so in the country.
President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand R Marcos Jr delivers an address to Members and Senators of the Australian Parliament in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Thursday, February 29, 2024. President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos are in Canberra for their first official visit to Australia. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE
"Geopolitical polarities and strategic competitions threaten our hard-won peace. Even as we remain beset by unresolved equities and inequalities within and amongst nations. Powerful and transformational technologies can destabilise our political and social order. Climate change threatens our very existence. These tectonic shifts are acutely felt in the Indo-Pacific," says Marcos.
He also addressed the attempts to undermine regional peace.
I will not allow any attempt by any foreign power to take even one square inch of our sovereign territory... we will not be yield.Philippine President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Philippines President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr are applauded after speaking in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Thursday, February 29, 2024. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE
This comes as tensions continue with China over territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Albanese has backed the comments of the Filipino leader, saying Australia is keen to further the relationship and maintain regional stability.
"Australia and the Philippines are in the same boat. And we share a vision for our destination, a peaceful, secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific... This is the new level of engagement our government is seeking between our two nations, and indeed across ASEAN as a whole," Albanese said.
Greens Senator Janet Rice holds a sign as Philippines President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr speaks in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Thursday, February 29, 2024. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE
Greens Senator Janet Rice has been ejected from the House of Representatives for holding up signage saying "stop human rights abuses" during his speech.
Senator Rice then joined protesters outside the Parliament.
"I'm appalled that President Marcos was invited to speak to the Australian Parliament. It is whitewashing the appalling human rights abuses that are continuing under his government," Rice said.
Marcos will visit Melbourne next week for the ASEAN Australia summit.
