More than 100 soldiers in Filipino and Australian naval forces run a disaster response drill (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) –More than 100 soldiers in Filipino and Australian naval forces on October 15ran a disaster response drill in Subic Bay, northwest of Manila, thePhilippines to deepen security ties in a region prone to disasters, piracy andterritorial rifts.
Lt. Col. Daniel Turnerof the Australian Defence Force said the naval maneuvers will strengthen thetwo countries' ability to respond to typhoons and other disasters.
When typhoons and floods occur,traditional infrastructure, such as roads,bridges and ports is damaged, with the only way to get tothe affected area often requiring helicoptersand landing craft, he said.
Previously, the HMASAdelaide carrier and the HMAS Darwin ships of Australia landed at Manila porton October 10 during their five-day visit, showing Australia’s commitment toensuring regional security and stability.
These ships, part of theAustralian Defence Fleet joined the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017.
In 2007, Australiasigned an accord that allows its forces to train in the Philippines.
Australia is the onlycountry aside from the United States with which Manila has forged such a defencepact, known as a status of forces agreement. -VNA
VNA
