PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

02 October 2024, CANBERRA - Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis Alferez underscored the shared maritime heritage as an important cornerstone of the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership at the 4th Philippines-Australia Maritime Dialogue held on 17-19 September 2024 in Canberra. Assistant Secretary Alferez co-chaired the Dialogue with DFAT Southeast Asia Strategy and Maritime Branch Assistant Secretary Glenn Elson.

The delegates also engaged academics from the Philippines and Australia in a Track 1.5 forum before the dialogue to engage views on activities to strengthen maritime cooperation, including capacity-building and scholarships. The Dialogue emphasized the importance of academic and scientific cooperation on marine environmental protection and maritime domain awareness, among others.

The Philippines and Australia, as maritime nations in the Pacific, share a long history of partnership on defense and security and have continued to enhance maritime cooperation over the years through mutual exchange, education and training. Both countries are committed to uphold the rules-based order anchored on international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for regional peace, security and stability.

In February 2024, the Philippines and Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation, five months after the already strong relations between the two countries was elevated into a Strategic Partnership. Australia is the second largest defense and security partner of the Philippines and one of only two Status of Forces Agreement partners of the country. – END