The Philippines and Australia have discussed ways to strengthen their foreign policy and defense cooperation, the Department of National Defense (DND) said.
Foreign affairs and defense officials from both countries convened in Manila on Friday, Nov. 25, for the 6th Philippines-Australia Strategic Dialogue (PASD) where they discussed and coordinated strategic priorities to enhance their relations.
The Philippine delegation was led by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and DND Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and Reserve Affairs Franco Nemesio Gacal.
Meanwhile, the Australian side was headed by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary for Southeast Asia and Global Partners Michelle Chan, and Department of Defence Acting Deputy Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Industry Hugh Jeffrey.
DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said both sides reaffirmed the importance of maritime cooperation activities including the conduct of maritime dialogues, joint exercises, capacity building activities, trainings, and logistics support.
“Australia and the Philippines also discussed ways they could strengthen their foreign and defense cooperation and collaboration, in particular on maritime security as well as transnational crimes, both bilaterally and through multilateral organizations,” Andolong said.
“Both countries expressed their ongoing commitment to supporting a rules-based regional order with ASEAN at the center,” he added.
The delegates also shared updates on each country’s foreign and defense policies as well as progress in their bilateral relationship and views on regional dynamics.
The PASD is the main forum for the Philippines and Australia to discuss and coordinate their strategic priorities and matters of mutual importance.
The dialogue came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese talked over the phone last Nov. 7 to strengthen their countries’ ties by formally elevating the bilateral relationship to a “strategic partnership.”