The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, will visit Malaysia and the Philippines this week.
Australia and Malaysia have a deep and enduring partnership based on history, shared interests and strong personal connections.
In Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Prime Minister Marles will co-chair the 3rd High Level Committee meeting with Malaysia's Minister of Defence, YB Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan and meet Australian Defence Force personnel at Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth.
The Deputy Prime Minister will then travel to the Philippines to observe significant bilateral training as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023.
While there, he will meet his Philippines counterpart, Secretary for National Defense, the Hon. Gilberto Teodoro.
Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023 is Australia's flagship regional engagement activity and supports the Government's focus on deepening diplomatic and Defence partnerships across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"I look forward to visiting Malaysia and the Philippines, and working with our partners to ensure our region continues to support our collective security and prosperity.
"My visit underlines the Government's commitment to investing in our partnerships in Southeast Asia. Partnerships that support a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region."
MEDIA NOTE -
Media can access imagery at: https://images.defence.gov.au/s20232290
