Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 25) — The Philippines and Australia held their first maritime cooperative activity on Saturday after signing a strategic partnership deal in September, which sought to enhance their defense and security ties.
The activity between both countries’ armed forces will run until Monday, Nov. 27, in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. It comes just two days after the conclusion of Manila’s joint patrols with the United States in the West Philippine Sea.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said such partnership aims to enhance the Philippines’ bilateral interoperability with Australia – the country’s second largest defense partner – particularly in maritime security and domain awareness.
\”This inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity and those that may follow are a practical manifestation of the growing and deepening strategic and defense partnership between our countries,\” Marcos posted on social media.
In a joint statement, the two nations also said the activity demonstrates their shared commitment to exercising freedom of navigation and overflight, consistent with international law and in support of a more peaceful Indo-Pacific region.
“Australia and the Philippines are firmly committed to a peaceful, secure and prosperous region, where sovereignty and agreed rules and norms are respected,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
