FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City—The Philippine and Australian Armies conducted the 8th Philippine Army-Australian Army Staff Talks to expand their cooperation in regional defense and security on April 7-8, 2025, at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Maj. Gen. Ferdinand B. Napuli, the Acting Chief of Staff Philippine Army and Maj. Gen. Chris Smith, the Deputy Chief of Army of Australian Army headed the Philippine Army and Australian Army delegations respectively during the discussions aiming to enable further developments in the armies’ relationship. The Defense Attache of Australia to the Philippines Capt. Emma McDonald-Kerr and representatives from the Philippine Marine Corps also attended the two-day Staff Talks.
The activity included plenary sessions on the PA-AUSA Engagements, Australian National defense strategy, Philippine Army’s strategic direction, key leaders engagement activities, and a review of the activities conducted for the year 2024. The delegation leaders also discussed the 2025-2026 PH-AUS Army activities to enhance the countries’ interoperability and capacity through combined arms training.
In his closing remarks, Maj. Gen. Napuli expressed his gratitude to Maj. Gen. Smith and the attendees and organizers of the activity for the productive conduct of the Staff Talks. He also added that the activity’s outcome reflects both armies’ shared commitment and collaborative efforts and will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of regional unity in ensuring security and stability.(PR)
