Phl, Australia boosts bilateral ties

Strategic Partnership after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Norman Albanese agreed to strengthen the already warm and deep ties between both countries.

The Philippines and Australia have committed to strengthening their bilateral foreign policy and defense cooperation.

This was the result of the 6th Philippines-Australia Strategic Dialogue over the weekend attended by Department of National Defense Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and Reserve Affairs Franco Nemesio Gacal and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro over the weekend.

The Philippine delegation met with Australian officials — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary for Southeast Asia and Global Partners Michelle Chan, and Department of Defense Acting Deputy Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Industry Hugh Jeffrey.

Updates on the respective foreign and defense policies and priorities of the Philippines and Australia have been discussed during the dialogue.

The officials from both countries also tackled the progress in their important areas of the bilateral relationship, shared views on regional dynamics, and discussed their upcoming bilateral activities.

Both countries explored ways to further strengthen their foreign and defense cooperation and collaboration, particularly on maritime security as well as transnational crimes — which will be executed both bilaterally and through multilateral organizations.

The Philippines and Australia expressed commitment to fully supporting the rules -based regional order with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at the center.

Both sides highlighted the importance of maritime cooperation activities, including the conduct of maritime dialogues, joint exercises, capacity-building activities, training, and logistics support, which showcases the common maritime perspectives underpinning the two countries’ maritime cooperative endeavors.

The Philippines and Australia’s bilateral relationship has elevated into “Strategic Partnership after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Norman Albanese agreed to strengthen the already warm and deep ties between both countries.

The elevation will build upon the Comprehensive Partnership signed in 2015 between Australia and the Philippines, bringing 76 years of formal diplomatic relations.

The “Strategic Partnership” sought the expansion of existing defense and maritime cooperation, counterterrorism and law enforcement links, and facilitation of deeper cooperation in a range of areas, including addressing climate change.