GOVERNOR-GENERAL PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE PHILIPPINES

11 June 1998

The Governor-General, Sir William Deane, tonight congratulated the Philippines and its people on the Centenary of the Declaration of Philippines Independence on 12 June 1998. In doing so, Sir William reaffirmed the very strong ties of friendship and partnership between Australia and the Philippines.

The Governor-General was speaking at the opening of an Exhibition of Contemporary Philippines Prints in Canberra. The Exhibition is being held in the High Court building to mark the Centenary.

With the permission of President Ramos of the Philippines, Sir William quoted a message he had received from the President in connection with the Centenary. In the message, President Ramos wrote:

"Our two nations have a long history of co-operation and friendship. In World War Two, thousands of Australian soldiers bravely took part in the Allied campaign to liberate the Philippines. Our two nations have fought together on the same side for freedom and justice in almost every great struggle this century. Today, Australia remains one of the most important partners of the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific region".

The Governor-General said he endorsed and reciprocated President Ramos' comments. Australia and the Philippines, he said, had a long and very strong relationship.

"We share a common outlook on key regional, economic and security issues". Sir William added that the Philippines "remains one of our most important partners and friends." He stressed that both countries must put "a lot of work into ensuring that we don't take each other for granted."

The Governor-General pointed out that the friendship between Australia and the Philippines is "underpinned" by the growing Filipino community in Australia of more than 90,000 people."

He said that Australians joined with the people of the Philippines "in the celebration of the first Centenary of the Declaration of Independence in the Philippines" and shared something of their pride and excitement. Australia, he said, understands the feelings of the people of the Philippines very well as we prepare for the celebration of the centenary of Federation in 2001.