Partnering for security and prosperityMabuhay! One area in which Australia and the Philippines are stepping up cooperation is in the maritime domain. Together with Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr., he signed a Statement of Intent on Enhanced Defense Cooperation. More importantly, our enhanced defense cooperation will also help strengthen the Philippines’ own territorial defense. The way we look at it is that Australia and the region’s future economic prosperity are linked.

Source: Philippine Star February 18, 2026 16:39 UTC