Minister says Aussie response to Yolanda victims ‘instinctive’

MANILA, Philippines - Australia’s response to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda was “instinctive,” according to Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

“When we heard the news of Typhoon Yolanda, Australians gave from their hearts, and urged the government to do the same,” Bishop said at the official launch of the ASEAN-Australia 40th Anniversary Commemoration at The Peninsula Manila hotel on Thursday.

Australia has so far donated A$100 million, sent a medical team and deployed members of its defense force and equipment to Yolanda-hit areas.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario conveyed the country’s appreciation for Australia’s immediate response in the aftermath of Yolanda during the event.

Del Rosario also recognized Australia’s assistance for the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response, including the operationalization of the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance.

He said the country looks forward to the continued support of Australia and other ASEAN member-states to the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda program.

“We hope that our cooperation in disaster management will also address climate change mitigation and adaptation needs, as they are closely linked to the emerging pattern of natural disasters,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario and Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo also met with Bishop and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb on Thursday for the 4th Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting held at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The officials reaffirmed the friendship between the two countries and agreed to work collaboratively to promote economic growth and new business opportunities and advance common objectives for the peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.

“Our areas of interest now cover trade, investment, education, development assistance, disaster relief and I thank Secretary del Rosario for acknowledging the  contribution that Australia made to the Philippines,” Bishop said.

Del Rosario also thanked Australia for its development cooperation assistance  this year amounting to A$170.1 million for education, climate change adaptation and disaster mitigation and peace and stability in Mindanao.