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Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will visit Malaysia and the Philippines alongside Australian Defence Force personnel during Exercise Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023 this week.
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The Australian Minister for Defence is scheduled to co-chair the 3rd High Level Committee meeting with Malaysia’s Minister of Defence YB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan in Kuala Lumpur.
He will also meet ADF personnel at Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth before travelling to the Philippines to observe bilateral training and meet the Secretary for National Defense, Gilberto Teodoro.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles welcomed the opportunity to build on supportive partnerships with both countries.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
ADF personnel will visit 14 countries from June 30 until the end of October this year to support investment in regional diplomatic, defence partnerships and commitment to building effective security partnerships under Exercise Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023.
As part of the tour, Defence personnel from Royal Australian Navy ships, Australian Army detachments, and Royal Australian Air Force aircraft crews participate in military activities, sporting events, cultural activities, training, workshops, and engagement addressing maritime law, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, as well as gender, peace and security.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will also travel to Indonesia, the Philippines and India in September to meet with regional leaders to discuss global challenges and advance Australia’s economic, security and climate agenda. He is the first Australian Prime Minister to undertake a bilateral visit to the Philippines since 2003.
