Philippines, Australia reaffirm defense cooperation commitment

The Philippines and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Friday.

In a statement, the DND said Philippine Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on August 8 received Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu during the envoy’s introductory call at the DND.

“In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s guidance on transitioning the focus of the Philippine defense sector to external defense, Secretary Teodoro acknowledged the 'mature' defense cooperation between the Philippines and Australia in various bilateral and multilateral platforms,” the DND said.

Teodoro welcomed the Philippine leg of the Indo-Pacific Endeavor (IPE)—Australia's flagship regional engagement activity—and the inaugural Defense Minister's Meeting (DMM).

“Both sides took stock of bilateral activities that reaffirm the deep friendship between the Philippines and Australia, and both countries' shared objectives in promoting regional peace and security,” the DND said.

Teodoro thanked the Australian government for donating to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP's) upcoming medical deployment program.

Yu expressed appreciation for the Philippines' help locating the wreckage of the World War II vessel SS Montevideo Maru that sank northwest of Luzon in 1942.

Australian prisoners of war were among those killed in the sinking. — DVM, GMA Integrated News