PH-Australia deal boosts trade, defense cooperation
The Philippines and Australia signed a “comprehensive partnership agreement” aimed at bolstering cooperation on trade, defense, humanitarian aid, and disaster response.
The landmark accord was signed by President Aquino and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in an effort to deepen decades-
old friendship and alliance between the two nations.
“Since 1946, the Philippines and Australia have cooperated in all aspects of our relations, including that of humanitarian assistance and disaster response. It is this long legacy of cooperation that we pay tribute to today, in signing the Joint Declaration on Philippines-Australia Comprehensive Partnership,” President Aquino said after a meeting with Turnbull on the sidelines of a regional summit in Manila.
“The Declaration acknowledges the increasing breadth and depth of our relations, which sets the tone, pace, and direction of our relationship in the years ahead,” he added.
Aquino said the two countries have been “partners in peace, stability, and progress” for almost seven years, adding they look forward to “deepening our engagement in all areas through a strong comprehensive partnership founded on the desire to uplift and empower our peoples, our region, and the wider community of nations.”
The two leaders likewise reaffirmed their resolve to boost cooperation in the political, defense and security, law enforcement, and counter-terrorism fields, among others. They also exchanged views on regional security challenges, including maritime security, and committed to continue bilateral consultations on how to address them.
Turnbull, in his remarks, pledged to continue to provide military assistance to the Philippines in terms of equipment, on top of the two landing craft vessels delivered last in the middle of the year.
He also commended Aquino’s commitment to the rule of law amid a territorial dispute in the region. “Your commitment to ensuring that the big economic changes that we are witnessing, that roll around us, are accompanied by commitment to international norms and that is very, very important,” he said.
Drive vs terrorism
On fighting terrorism, Aquino said the Philippines is prepared to work with other countries to achieve “de-radicalization” of individuals and groups that pose security threats.
Turnbull immediately thanked the Philippine leader for his advice on the global struggle against terrorism. He acknowledged that the Philippines is “no stranger to violent extremism” and its government has been “very strong” in the defense of peace and order. “I thought your views on the radicalization were particularly informative and very helpful to us as we consider our responses in Australia,” he added.
President Aquino also seized the chance to thank Australia’s support to the modernization of the Philippine military, particularly the recent donation of two landing craft heavy vessels to the Philippine Navy.
“These are significant assets not only to our defense, but also and more importantly, to our disaster response capabilities. One of these vessels, in fact, was used in our Navy’s relief operations in the wake of Typhoon Koppu (Lando),” Aquino said.
Disaster response In disaster management, Aquino said Australia has never failed to extend a helping hand to the Filipino people. The two nations are currently working together to improve Manila’s disaster response capability through Resilience and Preparedness toward Inclusive Development (RAPID) Program.
Aquino also thanked Australia for its steadfast support to the country’s infrastructure development, education, as well as peace process in Mindanao.
On economic ties, the two leaders welcomed the increase in bilateral trade between the two nations. Aquino said they appreciate Australia’s continued support to country’s public-private partnership (PPP) programs.
Turnbull said they welcome the Philippines’ enthusiasm to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership to further promote free trade in the region.
“We live, as we discussed, in a world of rapid economic change, which is supercharged by technology. It is a pace of change never seen before in the history of human development. And to succeed in that environment, Mr. President, as we both understand, both companies and countries, both businesses and governments have to be agile,” he said.
“They have to be able to respond quickly and flexibly and seize the opportunities that change presents. That’s why ensuring that we have free markets within our own countries but, of course, free trade across the border is very important,” he added.
Technical education
Apart from the comprehensive partnership accord, the two countries forged a memorandum of understanding (MOU) forging cooperation in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Australia’s Department of Education and Training (TESDA).
The pact was signed by Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines William Thomas Ross Tweddell.
“We, likewise, welcome the finalization of the Philippines-Australia Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This will allow us to share knowledge, information, and best practices with each other, particularly in areas of mutual interest, and collaborate on significant projects that will enable both the Australian and the Filipino peoples to take hold of their own destinies,” Aquino said.
It is unclear if the latest PhilippineAustralia comprehensive partnership deal will also involve the proposed resettlement of refugees. Australia had earlier reportedly offered $55 million for Manila to accept refugees in its offshore detention centers.
President Aquino had earlier said the government is “seriously considering” a proposed refugee resettlement deal with Australia but it could only offer temporary stay arrangements for the asylum-seekers.