Australian PM arrives in Manila  

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Australia will formalize their “strategic partnership” in security, counterterrorism, law enforcement, education and climate change when President Marcos meets with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Malacañang today.

Albanese was expected to arrive in the country last night, according to Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu.

Marcos was scheduled to arrive early today from Jakarta, Indonesia, where he attended the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and related summits.

Albanese’s visit was the first by an Australian prime minister since 2003, the Presidential Communications Office said.

In May, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong was in the Philippines for a four-day official visit.

Marcos witnessed the first Amphibious and Land Operations of the Indo-Pacific Endeavor 2023 between Filipino and Australian troops at the Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, Camp Artemio Ricarte in San Antonio, Zambales on Aug. 25.

In an interview in Zambales, Marcos said he would discuss with Albanese the possible continuation of joint military exercises between the Philippines and Australia.

The Senate ratified the Philippines-Australia Status of Visiting Forces Agreement or SOVFA on July 24, 2012.