Sofitel Philippine Plaza
18 November 2015

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia Malcolm Turnbull talked on further improving bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation and engagements on regional and international issues during their meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

They conferred on the importance of engagement and cooperation in the political, defense and security, law enforcement, counter-terrorism and maritime security among others.
Philippines and Australia have cooperated in many aspects including humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
After the meeting, both leaders signed the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement that will further deepen bilateral ties and sets the tone and direction in coming years. They also witnessed the signing of the Philippines-Australia Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which would allow the exchange of knowledge, information, and best practices especially in areas of mutual interest, as well as the collaboration on significant projects that will enable both the Australian and the Filipino peoples to take hold of their own destinies.
The memorandum was between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority of the Republic of the Philippines and Department of Education and Training of the Government of Australia. The agreement was signed by Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario and Ambassador of Australia to the Philippines William Thomas Ross Tweddell.

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