Australia and RP to talk security

Australia and RP to talk security

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Australia and the Philippines announced yesterday closer cooperation in three areas, including the establishment of formal bilateral security talks, foreign ministers from the two countries said.

"We're upgrading our security (ties) by establishing bilateral regional security talks (with the Philippines)," Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said at a joint news briefing with Philippine Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon.

The talks would "allow discussion of regional security issues", with the first meetings to be held later this year, Downer said.

Australia already holds formal bilateral security talks with the United States, China, Japan and South Korea.