PGMA's Remarks during the Dinner in Honor of H.E. Prime Minister John Howard and Mrs. Janette Howard of Australia |
Ceremonial Hall, Malacanang (14 July 2003) |
| Prime Minister Howard; Mrs.
Howard; Her Excellency President Aquino; Mr. Vice- President and Mrs. Guingona; Mr.
Speaker and Mrs. De Venecia; Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Loren Legarda and
Honorable Leviste; Mr. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ople and Mrs. Ople; Dr. Shergold;
excellencies; members of the diplomatic corps; members of Congress; members of the
Cabinet; members of the Australian delegation; guests; ladies and gentlemen: The Prime Minister's visit not only shows our strong partnership in development and defense. It is also a reaffirmation of the growing value we place on our bilateral ties. The Philippines benefits in terms of official development assistance predominantly targeted in Mindanao and also benefits from training assistance for our armed forces. The first dynamism that has infused our partnership in defense cooperation is not only express in the fact that Australia has become second to the United States as the biggest provider of training for our armed forces personnel. It is also seen in agreements that we hold to fight terrorism and transnational crime especially the agreement signed today on the occasion of this visit. Our benefits for official development assistance in armed forces training, in our agreements to fight terrorism and transnational crime are truly important in our common fight against terrorism and against poverty. We are neighbors in the pacific. We are happy to have our neighbor come and visit. May I therefore invite all of you to join me in a toast for the continued success and good health of Prime Minister Howard for the strengthening and deepening of our bilateral ties and the continuing friendship between our two peoples. Mabuhay! |