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.