MANILA – The Philippines and Australia are set to discuss opportunities to deepen defense cooperation, including through military exercises, regular maritime cooperative activities, and multilateral coordination.
Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles will host National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. for the inaugural Australia-Philippines Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Canberra on November 12.
“Australia and the Philippines have a shared commitment to regional security, and we have a common vision for the region, where sovereignty is upheld,” Marles said in a news release on Monday.
“I look forward to discussing ways to deepen defence cooperation, including through our Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program, to build capacity and strengthen interoperability,” he added.
Earlier, Australia has defined its relationship with the Philippines as longstanding and built on cooperation and mutual trust.
Both countries support a secure and stable region where sovereignty is respected, international law is adhered to, and nations can make decisions free from coercion. (PNA)