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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Filipino, Aussie Army chiefs agree to boost cooperation amid COVID-19 threat

Filipino, Aussie Army chiefs agree to boost cooperation amid COVID-19 threat

Published Aug 14, 2020 06:13 pm

The top commanders of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Australian Army have continued to strengthen their cooperation to better respond to various issues concerning both countries, especially in the effective management of the coronavirus disease pandemic.

In a statement Friday, Colonel Ramon Zagala, Army spokesperson, said Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana held a telephone conversation with Australian Chief of Army, Lt. Gen. Rick Burr.

The discussion, which took place last August 12, centered on both countries' COVID-19 response efforts.

Further, Sobejana also shared with Burr the PA's efforts to eradicate the threat of terrorism as he "is looking forward and working hard to have a terror-free country."

For his part, Burr said the connection between the two armies has a "very good framework to address the evolving nature of terrorism."

He mentioned that the strategic environment of the region allows developments to be shared and, thus, both armies should work more closely together to have a better understanding of the threats and changes in the security environment.

Burr went on to congratulate Sobejana for his appointment as the PA commanding general last August 4.

Zagala said the two Army chiefs hope to meet personally in the future as they expressed commitment to remain well-engaged and pursue mutually beneficial activities for both armies. 

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