THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Friday, 19 September 2008
128/2008
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE MEETS WITH EAST TIMOR
PRIME MINISTER, XANANA GUSMAO
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today met with the
Prime Minister of East Timor, Xanana Gusmao, in Dili, East Timor. The pair
discussed Australia’s continued commitment to East Timor under Operation
Astute and defence and security cooperation. This is Mr Fitzgibbon’s first visit
to East Timor as Minister for Defence.
Matters discussed included the International Stabilisation Force presence in
East Timor, continued progress of the Defence Cooperation Program,
coordination of efforts between other international security sector assistance
donors, and maritime security assistance.
During today’s meeting, both Prime Minister Gusmao – who also serves as
East Timor’s Defence Minister – and Mr Fitzgibbon reconfirmed their enduring
commitment to the development of East Timor’s Defence Force and regional
security.
“Australia’s main roles in East Timor are in the development of a professional
East Timorese Defence Force through the provision of training, support and
guidance, and assisting in the maintenance of a stable security environment,”
Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Mr Fitzgibbon further noted Australia remains committed to supporting the
Government of East Timor, through both the Defence Cooperation Program
and the International Stabilisation Force. With the Defence Cooperation
Program continuing its program of capacity building the East Timorese
Defence Force, and the International Stabilisation Force continuing to provide
a range of specified security tasks in support of the Government of East Timor
and the United Nations Police.
Media contacts:
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
