Australia will support Philippine military facilities as the two countries are expected to sign a defense cooperation agreement next year.

This was announced by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. after they signed a joint statement of intent to pursue a defense cooperation agreement during a ministerial meeting in Makati on Friday.

Marles said the defense pact will include Australia's effort in "pursuing infrastructure development here in the Philippines for the benefit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)".

"To that end, we have also, as part of our outcomes, agreed to pursue a defence infrastructure plan. Right now, Australia is pursuing eight different infrastructure projects across five different locations here in the Philippines," he said.

"We've agreed now to establish a plan between our two countries which will guide the way in which our infrastructure investment is pursued over the coming years to see greater infrastructure here in the Philippines for the benefit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," he added.

Teodoro did not give further details about the defense infrastructure projects with Australia but he noted that Australia will "augment" Philippine military facilities.

He said the defense cooperation agreement between Australia and the Philippines is expected to be signed when the country hosts the ASEAN next year. Robina Asido/DMS