MANILA, Philippines - Not too long ago, candidate Rodrigo Duterte told Australia’s ambassador to shut up and said he was prepared to cut ties between the two countries over remarks he made about an Australian missionary who was raped and killed in a Davao prison riot.
Yesterday, Australia congratulated Duterte on his election as president.
“Australia looks forward to working with the new administration and anticipates the gains of recent years can be sustained and built upon,” the Australian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“Australia looks forward to continue working with the new Philippine government to further develop our enduring bilateral relationship and address shared regional and global challenges,” it said.
It added the two countries share similar values and interests, including a commitment to democracy, and a determination to work for peace, security and economic growth.
Australia and the Philippines signed a Comprehensive Partnership in 2015 to deepen cooperation to advance mutual interests in trade, development and regional security.