ISTANBUL

Australia and the Philippines on Friday pledged to strengthen their defense cooperation.

Manila and Canberra "signed a statement of intent to pursue a defense cooperation agreement that we will seek to sign this time next year," Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said in a joint news conference with the Philippine National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro in Manila.

"This will be a really important step forward in terms of our defense relationship," Marles added.

According to him, the agreement, building on the 1995 memorandum of understanding, will include a commitment to holding annual defense ministers meetings, as well as an inspection into how more can be done in terms of coordinating exercise and operation tempo between the two countries.

"To that extent, we have also, as part of our outcomes, agreed to pursue a defense infrastructure plan. Right now, Australia is pursuing eight different infrastructure projects across five different locations here in the Philippines," Marles said.

"We cannot tell you," Teodoro said when asked about the details of the infrastructure. "Only China will benefit if we tell you," he added.

Teodoro, for his part, called the joint statement of intent a "concrete form" of both sides' desire for the defense partnership to expand and advance

"It is appropriate for such a defense cooperation agreement to be signed next year when the Philippines hosts ASEAN for next year as the chair," he added.

Marles called the US an "absolutely reliable partner," when asked about Washington's reliability as a security and trade partner in the region.

"Insofar as the Philippines is concerned... the security relationship is very strong," Teodoro said.

Marles, during his visit, will also witness the Philippines' largest overseas military drill Exercise Alon 25, which brings together forces from Australia, the US, Canada, and the host nation for two weeks of amphibious and maritime live-fire exercises.