00:00Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Gibo Jr. and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles
00:06met in Makati City for the second Philippine-Australian Defense Minister's meeting.
00:11Both officials signed a statement of intent on enhanced defense cooperation.
00:15They underscored the need for a secure and stable Indo-Pacific,
00:19highlighting respect for sovereignty, international law, and freedom from coercion.
00:23Discussions also focused on maritime security, defense infrastructure, and expanded military drills,
00:28including the flagship Exercise Alon 2025.
00:32The two leaders vowed to sustain momentum and defense partnership
00:36and agreed to hold the next minister's meeting in Australia in 2026.
