The Philippines and Australia moved to further strengthen defense cooperation as security partners met on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, one of the Indo-Pacific’s key defense forums.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles on Saturday, May 30, to discuss ways to expand practical military and security collaboration between Manila and Canberra.
The talks focused on deepening defense cooperation in areas that support shared security interests, regional stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
Both sides also discussed closer coordination with other like-minded partners, including Japan and the United States, as countries in the region continue to build stronger security networks amid evolving maritime and geopolitical challenges.
The meeting came as the Shangri-La Dialogue brought together defense and security leaders from across the region to discuss pressing security concerns, including maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Australia said the annual forum serves as a venue for leaders to discuss shared international security challenges and responses.
The Philippines has been expanding defense engagements with partners such as Australia, Japan, and the United States as it seeks to strengthen interoperability, military readiness, and external defense capabilities.