MANILA, Philippines — Australian Ambassador to Manila Rod Smith expressed optimism that the relationship between the Philippines and Australia will continue to be robust and dynamic, this in anticipation of the holding at some stage during the year the third bilateral Philippines Australia Ministeria Meeting.

Ambassador Smith pointed out that it is also expected that following close consultations with the Philippine administration, 2011 will see the release of AusAID’s Philippine Country Strategy for 2011-2015, which will guide the delivery of Australia’s development cooperation program to the Philippines over the next five years.