Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity, Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), returns to the Philippines this month to participate in several activities of mutual interest and priority. IPE supports the Australian Government’s focus on deepening diplomatic and defence partnerships across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean. The activity reinforces Australia’s commitment to an open, stable and prosperous region, founded on openness, respect for sovereignty and adherence to agreed rules and norms.
IPE 2024 will build on outcomes from IPE 2023 and engage agencies from across both the Australian and Philippine Governments. The Australian Civil-Military Centre and the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense will host a tabletop exercise responding to an earthquake scenario, incorporating previous lessons learned and more complex themes. Other IPE 2024 exchanges will focus on maritime law, senior enlisted leadership, and gender in military operations. The ADF’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will also join the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a series of sports engagements.
In addition to the Philippines, IPE 2024 will conduct activities with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam over the next four months. Australia is pleased to work with our regional partners through IPE 2024 to demonstrate our shared commitment to regional stability and security.
Quotes attributable to Commodore Michael Harris OAM, RAN, Commander IPE24
“The Philippines is one of Australia’s closest partners and friends, reflecting our shared interest in a peaceful, secure and prosperous region. “Indo-Pacific Endeavour allows Australia and the Philippines to work together in ways that are of, with and for the region—like testing our combined disaster preparedness, and learning from each other on maritime law issues.
“The activities that are part of IPE 2024 will also build friendships and understanding between our two countries. “We are excited to join the teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines for some friendly, yet competitive basketball diplomacy as part of IPE 2024. “We look forward to building even stronger ties with our Philippine friends this week.”
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press release and photo from the Australia Embassy in the Philippines
