SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
009/2010
DEFENCE MINISTER TO ATTEND NATO MEETING IN
ISTANBUL
Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, departs Australia today to attend
the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and International Security
Assistance Force (ISAF) Defence Ministers meeting in Istanbul.
The meeting, held twice a year, provides an opportunity for Defence Ministers
to discuss the international effort in Afghanistan, including the development of
the Afghan forces and the coordination of civil and military activities. Senator
Faulkner is accompanied by the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Air
Chief Marshal Angus Houston.
Senator Faulkner will also participate in a meeting of Defence Ministers from
the countries in Regional Command (South), which includes Oruzgan
Province where most of Australia’s personnel are based in Afghanistan.
“This is the first opportunity for ISAF defence ministers to convene since
President Obama announced his revised strategy for the campaign in
Afghanistan. The meeting also provides an opportunity to build on the recent
London conference on Afghanistan,” Senator Faulkner said.
Australia is one of a coalition of over 40 countries, under United Nations
mandate working under NATO command. Australia is by far the largest non-
NATO contributor of forces in Afghanistan.
The focus of Australia’s military effort in Afghanistan is training the Afghan
National Army (ANA) in Oruzgan Province so the ANA can take responsibility
for security and stability in the province.
“Attending these meetings gives Australia the opportunity to meet with
representatives of the Afghan Government, Coalition allies, and participate in
strategic discussions about the conflict in Afghanistan,” Senator Faulkner said.
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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