Philippines and Australia iron out the defense treaty between the two countries to be signed later this week. The defense treaty will also signify closer military ties between the two countries. Pending the Philippine Senate approval, the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement would allow Australia to donate 28 high-speed, global positioning system-equipped watercraft and to deploy some of its troops here for joint military excercises.

Presently touring New Zealand, President Arroyo is due for a stopover in Australia to sign a draft agreement of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement.

Due to bilateral interest for a safer and peaceful territory, Australian assistant defense secretary Ben Coleman revealed that the two countries are faced with a common menace that are terrorizing the region. It was also learned during a press briefing that the military ties between the two countries were strong and that some Filipino officers are already training in Australia.

"The defense relationship we have with the Philippines is very much focused on the training, education and exchanges and the concluding of SOVFA," Coleman said.