Canberra: The Philippines and Australia are poised to enhance their defense collaboration through a forthcoming meeting between their defense ministers in Canberra. This meeting aims to explore opportunities for increased military exercises, consistent maritime cooperative activities, and multilateral coordination between the two nations. According to Philippines News Agency, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles will host the Philippines' National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. for the first-ever Australia-Philippines Defense Ministers' Meeting on November 12. The meeting signifies a shared commitment to regional security and a mutual vision of a region where sovereignty is maintained. In a news release issued on Monday, Marles emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating, "Australia and the Philippines have a shared commitment to regional security, and we have a common vision for the region, where sovereignty is upheld." He further expressed his anticipatio n to discuss ways to deepen defense cooperation, particularly through the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program, which aims to build capacity and strengthen interoperability between the two countries. The relationship between Australia and the Philippines has been characterized by longstanding cooperation and mutual trust. Both nations advocate for a secure and stable region where sovereignty is respected, international law is followed, and countries can make decisions independently, free from external coercion.