KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles is scheduled to visit Malaysia and the Philippines this week to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation in the realm of defence and security.
During his visit in Kuala Lumpur, Marles is scheduled to co-chair the 3rd High-Level Committee meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, and meet Australian Defence Force personnel at the Air Force Base in Butterworth, Penang.
Marles will proceed to the Philippines to observe significant bilateral training as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023, besides meeting his Philippines counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, who serves as the Philippines’ Secretary for National Defence.
“I look forward to visiting Malaysia and the Philippines, and working with our partners to ensure our region continues to support our collective security and prosperity.
“My visit underlines the Government’s commitment to investing in our partnerships in Southeast Asia. Partnerships that support a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region,” he said in a statement on the official website of the Australian government’s department of defence.
Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023 is Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity and supports the Government’s focus on deepening diplomatic and Defence partnerships across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean.
The statement said that Australia and Malaysia have a deep and enduring partnership based on history, shared interests and strong personal connections.
— Bernama
