Teodoro said the updated pact would allow Philippine forces to better familiarise themselves with Australian equipment and weaponry, helping streamline the processes for joint training.
Australia and the Philippines have had a visiting forces agreement in place since 2012, allowing for their troops to train on each other’s territory.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a later statement the pact would “deepen practical cooperation between our defence forces and create new opportunities to work together in support of regional security”.
The statement outlined enhanced maritime activities, information-sharing, and defence infrastructure development as key elements of the new agreement.
Marles said at an ASEAN defence chiefs’ summit in the Philippines last month that China’s military build-up was creating a “condition of pressure” in Southeast Asia, and urged allies and partners to deepen cooperation.
