Enhancing defence cooperation and maritime security in Southeast Asia

Australia is strengthening defence cooperation and maritime security in Southeast Asia to enhance the stability and prosperity of our region.

Following a visit to HMAS Stalwart in Manila today, Prime Minister Albanese witnessed the signing of a new Australia–Philippines Defence Cooperation Arrangement.

Expanding on the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, the arrangement provides a contemporary framework to guide priority areas of cooperation, including enhanced maritime awareness and activities, information-sharing, strategic dialogue, planning, training, interoperability, and defence infrastructure development.

The arrangement reflects the maturity of our defence relationship, as Australia and the Philippines celebrate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

In addition, the government has committed to investing in Australia’s Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships which supports maritime cooperation with regional partners through practical activities that address shared challenges.

This will support maritime domain awareness and cyber resilience, providing regional partners with aerial and surface drones, secure communications support and operator training.

It will also support our regional partners to increase their resilience to maritime and cyber security threats by improving detection and response capabilities.

These activities will contribute to the safety and security of some of the busiest maritime corridors in the world, including those Australia relies on for trade.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

"Australia is committed to working closely with ASEAN to help shape a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.  

“Our new Defence Cooperation Arrangement will strengthen defence and maritime security ties, while increased investment in Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships addresses shared maritime challenges.”

Quotes attributable Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“Australia and the Philippines share a strong commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, underpinned by respect for international law.

“This new Defence Cooperation Arrangement will deepen practical cooperation between our defence forces and create new opportunities to work together in support of regional security.

“From Maritime Cooperative Activities and major military exercises to new infrastructure projects, our growing defence partnership is strengthening interoperability, building collective capability and contributing to the security and stability of our region.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Australia’s interests lie in a region where sovereignty is respected, international law is upheld and countries can make their own choices.

“Together with the Philippines and our regional partners, we are strengthening maritime resilience and security that helps underpin a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”