Australian Defense Chief to Visit Manila to Bolster Ties with the Philippines

Manila, The Gulf Observer: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles is set to visit Manila this week to further strengthen defense cooperation with the Philippines.

In a statement Wednesday evening, Marles confirmed that he will meet with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. for the 2nd Australia-Philippines Defense Ministers’ Meeting, which aims to build on the two nations’ close partnership and mutual trust.

“I look forward to meeting Secretary Teodoro in Manila to discuss ways to deepen Australia-Philippines defense cooperation; by building capacity and strengthening interoperability,” Marles said.

During his visit, the Australian official will also meet with Australian personnel taking part in Exercise Alon 25, Australia’s largest overseas joint training activity this year. The exercise includes forces from the Philippines, Australia, the United States, and Canada, with more than 3,600 personnel deployed.

“Our cooperation through Exercise Alon reflects a shared commitment to working together to maintain a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region where sovereignty is respected,” Marles emphasized.

The visit comes in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for stronger regional defense cooperation to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Following his stop in Manila, Marles will travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 5th Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defense Cooperation, where he will meet with Malaysian Defense Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin.

Highlighting the depth of ties, Marles noted that Australia and Malaysia share a longstanding partnership rooted in joint military history and continued collaboration under the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA).

“Australia and Malaysia share a longstanding defence partnership, built upon a comprehensive program of exchanges, training and exercises,” he said.