PH, Australia complete logistics support deal

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines and Australia have completed an agreement on logistical support that would boost defense ties between the two countries amid changes in regional security.

The Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA) will address regional security challenges, the Australian embassy in Manila said in a statement.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson AO said the deal “provides a solid framework for the Philippines and Australia’s defense organizations to conduct more complex engagement, and enhance interoperability in practical ways.”

“As Australia and the Philippines face a rapidly evolving strategic environment, seeking new opportunities like this is increasingly important for deepening defense engagement,” he said.

The embassy did not delve into the details of the deal and when it will take effect.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the MLSA will allow rapid deployment of Philippine and Australian forces for humanitarian and disaster response and also enhance interoperability between the two militaries.

MLSA will allow “the provision of logistics support during exercises, training, deployments, and other exigencies as mutually determined by both countries,” he said.

The MLSA is the third defense-related deal of both countries. The Philippines and Australia signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperative defense activities in 1995. They later entered into a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in 2012.

TSB