Australia deepens defense ties with PH, Malaysia

MANILA, August 22 ------ Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles is set to visit Manila “this week” with the goal of “further strengthening our already close defense ties."

In a media statement Wednesday evening, Marles said he will be meeting with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., as the visit is expected to build on the two nations’ cooperation and mutual trust through the 2nd Australia-Philippines Defense Ministers’ Meeting. “I look forward to meeting Secretary Teodoro in Manila to discuss ways to deepen Australia-Philippines defense cooperation; by building capacity and strengthening interoperability,” Marles said.

During the visit, Marles would also meet with Australian personnel participating in Exercise Alon 25, Australia’s largest overseas joint training activity this year. The defense partnership between Australia and the Philippines aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s call for stronger regional cooperation to safeguard stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Aside from the Philippines and Australia, the United States and Canada are also participating in the joint exercise, totaling over 3,600 personnel deployed for the event. “Our cooperation through Exercise Alon reflects a shared commitment to working together to maintain a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region where sovereignty is respected,” Marles said.

Meanwhile, Marles is also set to travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 5th Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defense Cooperation with Defense Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin. He said Australia and Malaysia are longstanding partners and friends with shared military history, including through the Five Power Defense Arrangements, which underscores the two countries’ commitment to a peaceful and stable region. “Australia and Malaysia share a longstanding defense partnership, built upon a comprehensive program of exchanges, training and exercises,” Marles said.

Source: philstar.com