Manila: The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday announced it had hosted the outgoing and incoming Australian defense attach©s during their joint courtesy call last Jan. 6, highlighting the strong military ties between the Philippines and Australia. Cmdr. Marie Angelica Sisican, PN public affairs office chief, said the event took place at the Navy headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, PN chief Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta received outgoing Australian defense attach© Capt. Emma McDonald-Kerr, together with her successor, Col. Travis Day. "We would like to thank you for the service. You have done a lot for the PN and the Australian Navy, and we are very fortunate to have worked with you," Ezpeleta said in acknowledgement of McDonald-Kerr's contributions to strengthening naval cooperation and defense ties.

The PN chief also extended a warm welcome to Day and conveyed the service's commitment to continuing close collaboration, maximizing opportunities for exercises and training, and further enhancing maritime and defense cooperation. The courtesy call reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Australia, with a common commitment to regional peace and security, Sisican said.