Australia on Thursday announced a package of new maritime cooperation initiatives for the Philippines as Canberra sees Manila as a "vital security partner" in maintaining a "peaceful, stable and prosperous" Indo-Pacific region.
Elevating both countries' partnership from "comprehensive" to "strategic," Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong made the announcement as he sat down with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo for a bilateral talk on Thursday.
The package would include extending technical assistance and capacity building for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); providing equipment, skills, and technology to improve maritime domain awareness and marine protection; giving assistance to mitigate the environmental impacts of the recent oil spill in Mindoro; and supporting women's leadership in maritime security.
The assistance came on the heels of China's aggression in the West Philippines Sea and the South China Sea, which raised concerns of many countries, including Australia.
"Your President said that to achieve our common goal of peace and prosperity for our peoples, we need to work with like-minded partners," Wong, who is on a four-day visit to the Philippines, said.
In elevating its ties with the Philippines, Wong said Australia wants "a region that is predictable, that operates by agreed rules, standards and laws in which sovereignty is respected."
Wong asserted that "no single country can do this alone" and better partnerships, such as with a like-minded partner like the Philippines, "result in better outcomes for all."
Recognizing ASEAN's "vital contribution to regional peace and security," Wong wants to work with the Philippines, which is a member of the regional bloc, through various means, including maritime cooperation.
For his part, Manalo said he was pleased to welcome Wong, who is the fourth top Australian government official, to visit Manila in 2023.
The other top officials were: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, and Special Envoy for Southeast Asia Nicholas Moore.
Manalo said his discussion with Wong highlighted that the Philippines and Australia remain committed to working and deepening relations with regional partners, both in bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
The meeting also advanced the two country's strategic interests, he added.