RP, Australia open defense cooperation

Philippine and Australian officials opened yesterday a two-day meeting aimed at expanding defense cooperation including maritime security and military training.

Defense Undersecretary Alejandro Melchor and Australian Defense Department assistant secretary Ben Coleman headed the second meeting of the Philippine-Australia defense cooperation working group, bringing together experts and planners of the two countries.

The meeting will focus on how the two countries can contribute to "maritime security, capacity and capability building, military training and educational exchanges," a statement from the local defense office said.

There was also an exchange of views on "reform initiatives in the Philippine military to which Australia has signified interest and support," the statement added.

Australia has been a key supporter of the Philippines, particularly in counter-terrorism operations. It has also pledged to support efforts to improve maritime security in the Philippines. The two countries signed a defense cooperation agreement in 1995. — AFP