Philippines, Australia sign strategic partnership deal

The Philippines and Australia shored up their security and economic alliance Friday with the signing of a strategic partnership.

The agreement was finalized following a meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Manila.

Under a strategic partnership, the countries will seek to expand cooperation in several areas from defense and security to climate change and education. Albanese described the two countries as "great friends" and expressed hope that his visit would help take the relationship "to an even higher level".

A strategic partnership is the highest level of bilateral ties that Australia has had with the Philippines.