12 August 2005

Australia and Philippines Conclude Inaugural Meeting

We have today concluded the inaugural Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting (PAMM) with our Philippine counterparts, HE Alberto Romulo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and HE Peter Favila, Secretary for Trade and Industry.

In the inaugural PAMM, which formalises regular high level contact between our governments, we agreed a Ministerial Declaration and Action Agenda for the future.

During our discussions we focused on the threat of terrorism to the region. We shared assessments and reviewed our bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, including Australia's $10 million counter-terrorism assistance package for the Philippines. Recognising the efforts of the Philippine Government to eradicate terrorist groups in the Philippines, our two countries are working closely together in a range of areas including law enforcement, maritime security and anti-money laundering cooperation.

We agreed to the creation of new inter-agency bilateral counter-terrorism consultations, to be conducted at senior officials level. This will provide an invaluable forum to enhance further our coordination and cooperation on counter-terrorism. We also identified opportunities to expand cooperation on border control and transport security, agreeing to conclude an MOU on Migration Management and Border Control and an Arrangement on Air Security Officers as a matter of priority.

We made a commitment to increase people-to-people exchanges between Australia and the Philippines, including through strengthening parliamentary links. With the Philippines co-hosting the next meeting of the Regional Interfaith Dialogue in Manila in 2006, we will work cooperatively to ensure the meeting is a success.

Ministers emphasised expanding our trade and investment relationship focusing on opportunities in the Philippine mining sector. Australian mining companies are already at the forefront of the industry in the Philippines and with the support of the Philippine Government to expand the industry, Australia is well positioned to take advantage of increased opportunities, to the benefit of both countries.

Global trade liberalisation was also discussed with agreement to cooperate closely to secure a successful outcome to the WTO Doha Round no later than 2006. We welcomed progress towards an ASEAN-ANZ Free Trade Agreement and agreed to accord a high priority to negotiations, with the next round to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from
18-20 August. Australia will provide new assistance to the Philippines to build its trade policy capacity.

Australia is funding a new $34 million five-year program to improve land administration in the Philippines. In 2005-06 Australia's development assistance to the Philippines totals $64 million, supporting governance, security, stability and rural development.

We were delighted to accept the invitation of our Philippine counterparts to attend the next Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting in the Philippines in 2007.

Media inquiries : (Minister Downer) 02 6277 7500 - (Minister Vaile) 02 6277 7420