The Philippines and Australia launched today a “Maritime Cooperative Activity” as part of the strategic partnership of the two countries, over two months since the state visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Malacañang in September this year.

This was announced by President Marcos on his official X (formerly Twitter) account that the Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the defense forces of Australia will enhance the maritime bilateral interoperability of the two countries.

“We endeavor to enhance bilateral interoperability in maritime security and domain awareness; test doctrines, existing protocols, and enhance efficiency; and foster closer cooperation between our countries’ armed forces,” President Marcos said.

“This inaugural Maritime Cooperative Activity and those that may follow are a practical manifestation of the growing and deepening strategic defense partnership between our countries,” he added.

President Marcos also emphasized that the maritime activity between the Philippines and Australia also highlights the shared commitment of the two countries “to supporting the rules-based international order and a more peaceful, secure, and stable Indo-Pacific region.”

In September this year, the Philippines and Australia signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership, elevating the bilateral relationship of the two countries from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership. |PND