Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, will host the Philippine Secretary of National Defense, Hon Gilberto C Teodoro Jr, for the inaugural Australia-Philippines Defence Ministers' Meeting in Canberra on 12 November.
The Australia-Philippines relationship is longstanding, built on cooperation and mutual trust.
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, Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Secretary of National Defense Teodoro will discuss opportunities for Australia and the Philippines to deepen defence cooperation, including through military exercises, regular maritime cooperative activities, and multilateral coordination.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"I am honoured to welcome Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr to Canberra for our inaugural Defence 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.
"I look forward to discussing ways to deepen defence cooperation, including through our Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program, to build capacity and strengthen interoperability."
MEDIA NOTE
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