Australian minister to meet with Duterte in Davao

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to meet with Australia's top diplomat in his hometown on Friday to discuss issues of mutual concern between the Philippines and Australia.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Duterte are expected to discuss bilateral and regional concerns, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said.

"On the bilateral front they are expected to talk about areas of cooperation between the Philippines and Australia including economic, political, including trade and investments," Jose said in a telephone interview with ANC.

Jose noted that the Philippines has elevated its relations with Australia when it became the country's "comprehensive partner" back in 2015.

The Philippines is continuing to exert effort to further strengthen its "close and friendly" ties with Australia, Jose said.

"Our relations with Australia is a step higher than the others so we attach great importance to our relations and partnership," Jose said.

Australia is the Philippines' largest source of grants after the United States.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said that the country is open to greater cooperation with Australia.