The Philippines and Australia Reaffirm Defense and Security Cooperation
01 August 2017 — The Philippines and Australia successfully concluded the 4th Philippines-Australia Strategic Dialogue on 27 July 2017 at the Diamond Hotel, Manila.
The meeting was co-chaired by Undersecretary Enrique A. Manalo of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Assistant Secretary Raymund Jose Quilop of the Department of National Defense. First Assistant Secretary Allaster Cox of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and First Assistant Secretary Scott Dewar of the Department of Defence led the Australian delegation.
The Philippine and Australian delegation reaffirmed their respective Governments’ commitment to enhance Philippines-Australia bilateral relations including defense cooperation and cooperation on security issues of mutual interests such as maritime security, natural disasters, counter terrorism, and human trafficking. They also discussed regional security and defense issues.
During the meeting, the Philippines extended its appreciation to Australia for the humanitarian support it provided to the people affected by the situation in Marawi.
The Philippines and Australia, whose diplomatic relations were established in 1946, are comprehensive partners closely working together to enhance cooperation in the areas of political and defense relations, trade and investments, and people-to-people exchanges. END