Australian PM Albanese meets Marcos in Malacañang

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived at the Malacañang Palace on Friday morning as part of his official visit to the Philippines.

Albanese was welcomed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos who just got back from Jakarta, Indonesia for the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

The two leaders will have a bilateral meeting this morning.

Earlier, Marcos said he would discuss with Albanese the continuation of the conduct of joint military exercises with Australian forces to enhance the capabilities of the two countries.

"We will be discussing for sure also the continuation of this kind of joint exercise to increase the capabilities again of our... alam naman ninyo pagka maganda ang coordination lalong-lalo na pag sa military, pagka, napakalaki ng multiplier effect. That's why it's important that we continue that," Marcos said on August 25.

"I'm sure we will come up with new strategies and some new ideas, agreements, in terms of partnerships between our two countries," the President said, noting that the Philippines and Australia have a common concern in the region.

Last month, Marcos was in Zambales to witness the amphibious landing military exercise involving the Philippines, Australia, and the United States. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News