November 14, 2024 (Canberra, Australia) – Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles convened for the inaugural Australia-Philippines Defence Ministers’ Meeting (DMM) on November 12, 2024 in Canberra, Australia.

During the first-ever PH-AUS DMM, both leaders underscored their commitment to bolstering defense cooperation as a crucial element of the Australia-Philippines Strategic Partnership, advancing shared interests in maintaining regional stability and upholding a rules-based order.

“We are two democracies with shared values, and appreciation of the rule of law both at home and internationally, and a determination to promote the global rules-based order around the world and within our region,” Minister Marles said, adding that he is pleased with the progress of the Philippines-Australia relations over the last couple of years.

In his opening remarks, Secretary Teodoro acknowledged the challenges for the two countries amid a complex regional security landscape mentioned by Minister Marles.

“Coming off from what you stated, that the world is indeed volatile and unpredictable, it behooves all of us to share the same values, to strengthen our relationships, to form bedrocks of stability amidst this sea of volatility and unpredictability. Our people deserve no less. The world deserves no less,” said Secretary Teodoro.

The Philippine defense chief said that he is happy with the country’s relationship with Australia, both in bilateral and in multilateral engagements, which he described “has been tremendous in the past few years.”

“It is in no doubt because of the leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister here and his team, and our diplomats on both sides of the fence. I believe that the reason also that this relationship has sped up so quickly, it’s because it was a deeply believed need that needed to be expressed,” Secretary Teodoro added.

The Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Philippine Defense Secretary expressed deep concern over the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, noting the necessity for all states to pursue peaceful resolutions to disputes in accordance with international law. The leaders also highlighted that both countries remain committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful use of the sea, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to protect the rights of all Southeast Asian nations.

As part of their strengthened defense cooperation, Secretary Teodoro confirmed that the Philippines would participate in Australia’s Exercise Talisman Sabre for the first time in 2025, reflecting the growing interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Secretary Teodoro also welcomed Australia’s involvement in Exercises Balikatan and Salaknib next year, marking new milestones in bilateral training and defense collaboration.

During the meeting, Secretary Teodoro and Minister Marles outlined plans to develop and formalize a new arrangement in 2025 under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program, which will guide official dialogues, training, leadership development, and infrastructure initiatives. This strategic direction aims to ensure sustained collaboration between the AFP and ADF amid an increasingly complex security environment in the Indo-Pacific.