MANILA – The Embassy of Australia in the Philippines announced the return of its flagship regional engagement activity dubbed Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), to participate in several activities of “mutual interest and priority” this month.
In a news release, the Australian Embassy emphasized that the IPE’s main goal is to “support the Australian Government’s focus on deepening diplomatic and defense partnerships across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean.”
“The activity reinforces Australia’s commitment to an open, stable and prosperous region, founded on openness, respect for sovereignty and adherence to agreed rules and norms,” the news release stated.
According to the Embassy, IPE 2024 aims to build on outcomes from IPE 2023, and engage agencies from across both the Australian and Philippine Governments.
“The Philippines is one of Australia’s closest partners and friends, reflecting our shared interest in a peaceful, secure and prosperous region,” Commodore Michael Harris OAM, RAN, Commander of IPE 2024 said.
File photo shows Commander Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), Commodore Michael Harris, OAM, RAN, talking to officers from the Sri Lanka Navy after they completed a military law and maritime surveillance workshop held during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024. (Photo courtesy of Australian Defense Force / POIS Bradley Darvill)
The line-up of activities includes the Australian Civil-Military Centre and the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense hosting a tabletop exercise responding to an earthquake scenario, incorporating previous lessons learned, and more complex themes.
Other IPE 2024 exchanges will focus on maritime law, senior enlisted leadership, and gender in military operations, the Embassy stated.
“Indo-Pacific Endeavour allows Australia and the Philippines to work together in ways that are of, with and for the region—like testing our combined disaster preparedness, and learning from each other on maritime law issues,” Commodore Harris mentioned.
“The activities that are part of IPE 2024 will also build friendships and understanding between our two countries,” Harris added.
The ADF’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will also join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for a series of sports engagements.
In addition to the Philippines, IPE 2024 will conduct activities with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam over the next four months, the Embassy revealed.
Australia is pleased to work with our regional partners through IPE 2024 to demonstrate our shared commitment to regional stability and security, the statement read.
