THE Philippines and Australia will collaborate in the fight against terrorism, Malacañang said Friday.
Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said President Rodrigo Duterte and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop agreed on the collaboration, during Bishop’s a courtesy call in Davao City.
He said Duterte and Bishop emphasized the importance of the Philippines and Australia broadening their cooperation relations on mutually important issues.
“Both underscored that terrorism and violent extremism are serious threats, with both expressing readiness to identify areas of collaboration,” Abella said.
He also said the Philippines and China reaffirmed their stronger ties during the courtesy call of Vice Premier Wang Yang on President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City.
“Both sides reaffirmed the stronger bilateral ties between Philippines and China,” Abella said.
He said both sides stressed the need to address piracy at sea and to ensure that the maritime areas were safe and secure and allowed freedom of navigation and overflights.
Abella said Australia expressed support for the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Asean and the Philippines’ efforts to further strengthen the association.
Duterte said the Philipines will do its utmost to strengthen Asean.
Abella said Australia pledged $40 million over six years to help the peace process in Mindanao.
He said Duterte expressed interest in learning responsible mining from Australia as a result of its expertise.
He said Bishop had said Australia was willing to cooperate in building capacities for responsibility on mineral and energy resources. “©”©
He also said the meeting between Duterte and Bishop was very warm and cordial.
“It sets the tone for a more positive engagement between the two countries as strategic partners,” Abella said.