The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles will travel to Malaysia and the Philippines this week - further strengthening our already close defence ties.
In Malaysia, the Deputy Prime Minister will take part in the 5th Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defence Cooperation with Malaysia's Minister of Defence, Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin.
Australia and Malaysia are longstanding partners and friends. Our shared military history, including through the Five Power Defence Arrangements, underscores our commitment to a peaceful and stable region.
In the Philippines, the Deputy Prime Minister will build on our cooperation and mutual trust through the 2nd Australia-Philippines Defence Ministers' Meeting with Philippine Secretary of National Defense, Hon Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
During his visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will also visit Australian personnel taking part in Exercise Alon 25, Australia's largest overseas joint training activity this year.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:
"Malaysia is one of Australia's closest partners, and I look forward to meeting with Minister Khaled to discuss our ongoing commitment to regional peace and security.
"Australia and Malaysia share a longstanding defence partnership, built upon a comprehensive program of exchanges, training and exercises.
"I look forward to meeting Secretary Teodoro in Manila to discuss ways to deepen Australia-Philippines defence cooperation; by building capacity and strengthening interoperability.
"Our cooperation through Exercise Alon reflects a shared commitment to working together to maintain a peaceful, secure and prosperous region where sovereignty is respected."
