THE Philippines and Australia have reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthen their bilateral defense ties.
This developed during a one-on-one meeting between Australian Secretary of the Foreign Affairs and Trade Jan Elizabeth Adams and Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.
Department of National Defense spokesman Arsenio Andolong said the meeting highlighted the strong defense cooperation between the Philippines and Australia, as both officials “engaged in constructive discussions on mutual interests and regional security challenges.”
With the recent passage of the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) law, Teodoro explored opportunities with Australia to enhance bilateral relations in defense industry, science, and technology collaboration.
For her part, Adams welcomed Teodoro’s proposals, underscoring Australia’s whole-of-government commitment to work with the Philippines through practical cooperation.
The discussions also addressed pressing regional security issues, including counterterrorism efforts.
Both officials acknowledged the long-standing bilateral partnership in combatting terrorism, underscored by joint training and exercises conducted under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program (EDCP).
Teodoro reiterated the importance of collective action with like-minded partners to uphold a rules-based international order in the region, adverting to the positive outcomes of the recent Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) held in Manila.
Teodoro also emphasized the need for collaboration in the Pacific for disaster risk reduction (DRR) to reinforce regional efforts in enhancing resilience against natural and man-made calamities.
The meeting concluded with both officials reaffirming their commitment to a robust Philippines-Australia strategic partnership.
