THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Friday, 13 February 2009
013/2009
DEFENCE MINISTER MEETS WITH NEW ZEALAND
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Mr Joel Fitzgibbon MP, and his New
Zealand counterpart, the Hon. Dr Wayne Mapp, met in Cessnock today – their
first meeting since New Zealand elected its new Government in November
2008.
“I welcome this opportunity to meet with Dr Mapp early in his tenure as
Defence Minister,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“It is an opportune time to reflect on the strength of Australia and New
Zealand’s bilateral relationship, both strategically and operationally.”
Discussions focused on broad areas of national security and Defence policy,
including ongoing joint operations to East Timor and Solomon Islands, as well
as global security concerns, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Mr Fitzgibbon briefed Dr Mapp on the status of Australia’s Defence White
Paper.
“The White Paper will recognise the unique relationship between Australia and
New Zealand, and our mutual commitment to promote security, stability and
development in the Pacific and East Timor,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“New Zealand continues to be a friend to Australia, as well as a creative
defence partner.
“Our ongoing cooperation to strengthen training, and capability harmonisation,
and better collaborative planning to address common interests underlines our
shared commitment to the region and the high level of interoperability that
exists between our two Defence forces,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Media note:
Media contacts:
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
