Phl, Australia commit to deepening partnership

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Australia committed to a deepening partnership which would enhance the already strong cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest between the two countries with Australia committing to help the country’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) program.

The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd MP, and Minister for Trade, Craig Emerson MP, along with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo met in Canberra for the third Philippines-Australia ministerial meeting.

They welcomed the substantial progress in implementing the commitments arising from the second Philippines-Australia ministerial meeting in Manila in 2008 and agreed on key future priorities.

Likewise, they agreed on the fundamental importance of defence cooperation between the Philippines and Australia, including in capacity building, professionalization, and the training of around 110 Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel in Australia over the last year. Australian Ministers welcomed the Philippines’ reaffirmation of its commitment to the ratification of the reciprocal Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), concluded in Australia in 2007.

They also discussed the resumption of peace negotiations in the southern Philippines and looked forward to a just and peaceful resolution of the conflict.

They also committed to continue to promote bilateral investment and encourage the expansion of bilateral trade. Australian Ministers welcomed the Aquino administration’s reform agenda, which promises to improve the business environment while driving economic growth and poverty alleviation.

Philippine officials on the other hand highlighted Public Private Partnership (PPP) on strategic infrastructure projects of the Philippines as a vital element of its economic development efforts.