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August 12, 2005

Taking into account their existing arrangements in various fields;

Confirming their interest in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries;

Have reached the following understandings:

PARAGRAPH I

The Parties will establish the Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting (hereinafter called the PAMM) to facilitate consultation and cooperation between the two countries.

PARAGRAPH II

The objectives of the PAMM will be:

a. To set the direction and vision of the bilateral relationship.

b. To provide a forum for the exchange of views on significant global and regional developments of interest and concern to both countries.

c. To provide a forum for the discussion of initiatives, activities and projects designed to further strengthen and expand the bilateral relationship.

PARAGRAPH III

The PAMM will be co-chaired by the Foreign and Trade Ministers of both Parties. The Parties may mutually determine alternative chairing arrangements for the PAMM as appropriate.

2. The Parties may invite other ministers or senior officials to attend the PAMM, depending on the priorities set for each PAMM.

PARAGRAPH IV

The PAMM will consider issues raised at previous PAMMs and review progress made and make recommendations on follow up action as appropriate.

PARAGRAPH V

The PAMM will determine its rules and procedures.

PARAGRAPH VI

The PAMM will meet once every two years alternately in the Philippines and Australia. The PAMM may meet more frequently as mutually determined by the Parties.

2. In alternate years to the PAMM there will be a meeting of relevant senior officials from each Party. At this meeting, senior officials will make appropriate preparations for the PAMM, and will consider the progress which has been made on the decisions and recommendations of previous PAMMs.

3. A brief officials meeting may be held immediately preceding the PAMM to finalise logistical arrangements.

PARAGRAPH VII

The provisional agenda for each PAMM will be prepared by the Party hosting the PAMM that year and will be given to the other Party at least one month before the scheduled date of the PAMM.

2. The Party hosting the PAMM, in consultation with the other Party, will prepare a Ministerial Declaration following the conclusion of the PAMM.

3. The Parties may decide, in consultation with each other, to make press statements at the conclusion of each PAMM.

PARAGRAPH VIII

The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia will be the points of contact for the PAMM. The Parties will endeavour to ensure that all communications relating to the PAMM will be channeled through these Departments.

PARAGRAPH IX

This Memorandum of Understanding will take effect on the date of the signing of the Memorandum.

PARAGRAPH X

This Memorandum of Understanding will remain in effect for a period of five years and upon the expiry thereof will automatically be renewed for another five years, unless either Party wishes to terminate the Memorandum or to renew it for a shorter period, in which case, notification will be made in writing six months prior to the date of expiry.+

PARAGRAPH XI

Either Party may request in writing a revision or amendment of all or part of this Memorandum of Understanding. Any revision of amendment which has been consented to by both parties in writing will come into effect on such date as is determined by both Parties.

In witness whereof, the undersigned being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Memorandum of Understanding.

Signed in Sydney this twelfth day of August two thousand and five, in two original texts written in the English language.