Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will look to continue ramping up ties with the Philippines with direct talks with the country’s President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sept. 8. This follows the announcement in August that Australia would look to work more closely with the Philippines on defence and security-related issues. “The Philippines is a critical nation for Australia’s interest,” Mr. Albanese said on Sept. 7. “We have strong economic relations with the Philippines. We also have strong cooperation when it comes to defence arrangements, and in addition to that, we have a strong diaspora in Australia.” Mr. Albanese noted that he will be the first Australian prime minister in 20 years to hold formal bilateral talks with the Philippines’ leader....Read more https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/australia-continues-ramp-up-of-ties-with-philippines-5488037