Manila: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles is set to visit Manila this week with the goal of further strengthening the already close defense ties between Australia and the Philippines. In a media statement, Marles announced his plans to meet with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to enhance the nations’ cooperation and mutual trust through the 2nd Australia-Philippines Defense Ministers’ Meeting.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marles expressed his eagerness to discuss ways to deepen Australia-Philippines defense cooperation by building capacity and strengthening interoperability. He also plans to meet with Australian personnel participating in Exercise Alon 25, which is Australia’s largest overseas joint training activity this year. The defense partnership aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for stronger regional cooperation to safeguard stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Alongside the Philippines and Australia, the joint exercise involves participation from the United States and Canada, totaling over 3,600 personnel. Marles noted that the cooperation through Exercise Alon reflects a shared commitment to maintaining a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region where sovereignty is respected.

In addition to his visit to the Philippines, Marles will travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 5th Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defense Cooperation with Defense Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin. Marles highlighted the longstanding partnership and shared military history between Australia and Malaysia, emphasizing their commitment to a peaceful and stable region through arrangements such as the Five Power Defense Arrangements.