Aussie, Phl defense execs meet today to deepen cooperation

The defense ministers of the Philippines and Australia will meet in Canberra today for the inaugural Australia-Philippines Defense Ministers' Meeting, which aims to deepen defense cooperation.

- Pia Lee-Brago

The Department of Defense of Australia announced yesterday that Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles would host Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. for the inaugural meeting.

Australia and the Philippines support a secure and stable region where sovereignty is respected, international law is adhered to and nations can make decisions free from coercion.

During the meeting, Marles and Teodoro will discuss opportunities for Australia and the Philippines to deepen defense cooperation, including through military exercises, regular maritime cooperative activities and multilateral coordination.

"I am honored to welcome Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to Canberra for our inaugural Defense Ministers' Meeting. Australia and the Philippines have a shared commitment to regional security and we have a common vision for the region, where sovereignty is upheld," Marles said.