Friday, August 12, 2005
Australia, RP agree on closer counterterrorism cooperation (3:44 p.m.)
CANBERRA -- Australia and the Philippines agreed Friday to cooperate more closely on counterterrorism efforts at a meeting in Sydney.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Trade Minister Mark Vaile said discussions with Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo and Peter Favila, secretary for trade and industry, focused on the threat of terrorism in the Asia-Pacific region.
The ministers shared assessments and reviewed bilateralcounterterrorism efforts, including Australia's 10 million Australian dollar (US$7.7 million; over P429 million) assistance package to the Philippines, the Australian ministers said in a statement.
"Recognizing the efforts of the Philippine Government to eradicate terrorist groups in the Philippines, our two countries are working closely together in a range of areas, including law enforcement, maritime security and anti-money laundering cooperation," it said.
New high-level consultations between both nations' counterterrorism agencies will be established, and cooperation in border control and transport security will be expanded, it said.
The ministers also discussed expanding the bilateral trade and investment relationship, particularly in the Philippine mining sector. (AP) |
