| Article Index |
|---|
| Australia fears Mindanao spillover |
| Page 2 |
| All Pages |
Smith said his government trusts that the Philippines would be able to manage its internal affairs. He said Australia accepts that part of this peace effort is to be "involved in conversations with Moro groups."
Smith said that in his "frank" discussions with his counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, he "saw and heard nothing to make [him] rethink about Australia being the Philippines' enduring partner in development assistance, interfaith dialogue, and education."
The Australian official also said that Canberra is hoping the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement will be ratified soon, adding that the defense ties between the two countries are an important element of Australia's 62-year-old bilateral partnership with the Philippines.
Each year, some 130 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines train in Australia.
"Australia commends the efforts of the Philippine security forces in combating regional terrorism. Australia will continue to help where we can. The struggle against terrorism is as difficult as it is vital," he added.
In a joint ministerial statement released after the press briefing, both parties reaffirmed their determination to broaden bilateral and regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism, and welcomed the creation of the Anti-Terrorism Council to wage war against local terrorist groups.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
| Comments |
|
3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
