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MEDIA RELEASE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS ALEXANDER DOWNER FA17 4 March 2003

AUSTRALIA AND THE PHILIPPINES SIGN COUNTER-TERRORISM AGREEMENT

The Philippines Foreign Secretary Blas Olpe and I today are signing a Memorandum of Understanding to boost our countries’ cooperation in the fight against international terrorism.

The bilateral agreement builds on our already strong relationship and provides a framework for increased cooperation between security, intelligence, law enforcement and defence officials.

Cooperation also will intensify between officials from other relevant agencies such as customs, immigration and transport.

As a result, intelligence exchanges on terrorism matters will increase and our efforts on law enforcement, combating terrorist financing and controlling our borders will be enhanced.

The agreement also provides for counter-terrorism training and education and technical assistance programs.

Australia and the Philippines enjoy a longstanding bilateral relationship with substantial links through commerce, defence and security cooperation, development assistance and people to people ties.

As the recently released White Paper on Foreign Affairs and Trade states, the war against terrorism underlines the importance of Australia's defence and law enforcement relationships, especially with countries in our region.

In deepening our relationship with the Philippines, this agreement will also help protect Australians and Australia’s interests at home and abroad. This is one of the Government’s highest priorities.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: Signing of Counter-Terrorism MOU at 12.10pm today Room 1R4 Parliament House.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 62777500 mob 0419 206 890 Julie McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555

Media releases and speeches are available from DFAT via the internet. http://www.dfat.gov.au/