Australia, PH seek closer tie-up on maritime security

• Published date: 26 November 2022
• Publication title: Philippines News agency

The Philippines and Australia are looking to strengthen cooperation on maritime security and combatting transnational crimes.

Senior foreign affairs and defense officials discussed ways to boost collaboration, both bilaterally and through multilateral organizations, at the 6th Philippines-Australia Strategic Dialogue, held at a hotel in Manila on Friday.

The dialogue was last conducted in 2020 via virtual mode.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to support a rules-based regional order with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the center.

"Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maritime cooperation activities, including the conduct of maritime dialogues, joint exercises, capacity building activities, training, and logistics support, which show the common maritime perspectives underpinning the two countries' maritime cooperative endeavors," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The officials noted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's agreement to strengthen ties between their countries by formally elevating the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.

Marcos...