The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, will visit the Philippines and Thailand this week.
Australia and the Philippines are committed to elevating our relationship to a Strategic Partnership, as agreed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last November.
During his visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with President Marcos Jr., Officer-in-Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito G. Galvez Jr. and other senior government representatives to discuss the already deep ties between the two countries, including our defence forces.
Following this, the Deputy Prime Minister will travel to Bangkok to meet with Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Australia and Thailand have a long-standing partnership, including deep defence ties and an ambitious trade and economic agenda.
Australia is committed to working with the Philippines and Thailand in support of a stable, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific region, with ASEAN at its core.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
“Australia’s relationships across our region are founded on history, personal connections and shared interests.
“I look forward to the opportunity to deepen Australia’s engagement with the Philippines and Thailand, including through our important cooperation on defence and security.”
