Australia welcomes breakthrough in Phl peace process

CANBERRA (Xinhua) - Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Monday congratulated the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the signing of a peace agreement to end long-running conflict between them.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) quoted Bishop in a statement that the signing of the final Annex on Normalization under the October 2012 Framework Agreement paves the way for the completion of an historic comprehensive peace agreement.

Bishop said Australia has provided support to the peace process through the aid program and her government's support will continue with the funding of $5.23 million over the next three years to support the peace process and boost institutional capacity to implement the Peace Agreement.

"Australia stands with the Philippines, and particularly with the people of the Southern Philippines, to realize this opportunity for a more secure and prosperous future after decades of conflict," Bishop said.