PHOTO RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

05 March 2025, MANILA - Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. and Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales engaged in high-level discussions on 12 February 2025 to further strengthen the defense and security partnership between the Philippines and Australia.

Building on the momentum of his visit to Canberra for the inaugural Philippines-Australia Defence Ministers' Meeting held on 12 November 2024 at Parliament House, Secretary Teodoro underscored the Philippines’ commitment to deepening cooperation with Australia in areas of mutual interest including maritime security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).

The Philippines and Australia, have a robust defense and security cooperation sharing a strong security framework underpinned by the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership and Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA). - END