National

Australia, Philippines boost maritime ties with drones

By AAP Newswire

May 18, 2023

Philippines Australia — Foreign Minister Penny Wong has met with her counterpart Enrique Manalo in the Philippines. -AP

Australia will provide drones, training and other technology to the Philippines in a bid to boost the southeast Asian nation's maritime surveillance.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Foreign Minister Penny Wong made the announcement on Thursday while in Manila, where she held talks with her counterpart Enrique Manalo.

She is also set to meet with the president and vice president.

"We want to work with the Philippines to support ASEAN's vital contribution to regional peace and security, including through maritime cooperation," she said alongside Mr Manalo.

"Australia is also sharing information and providing technical assistance for maritime legislators and government officials and working with you to increase your capacity to deal with illegal fishing in the maritime zone."

The package will go towards surveillance and environmental protection.

It includes technical assistance through oil spill trajectory modelling and environmental impact assessments to help reduce the impact of a recent spill.

Regional training to help Philippine officers respond to illegal fishing and support for getting women into leadership positions were also announced.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press