SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Thursday, 5 November 2009
044/2009
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE MEETS WITH U.S.
COUNTERPART
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today met with his US
counterpart, the Secretary of Defense Dr Robert Gates, to discuss key issues
in the alliance relationship, most notably operations in Afghanistan.
“The meeting was very positive, reflecting the strength of our relationship with
the United States,” Senator Faulkner said.
“I have reinforced to Secretary Gates that Australia is strongly committed to
our mission in Afghanistan.
“Our efforts are directed to training and mentoring the Afghan National Army’s
4th Brigade in Oruzgan province,” Senator Faulkner said.
“We will continue to work closely with our US partners and other coalition
partners to create stability and security in Oruzgan province,” Senator
Faulkner said.
Although Afghanistan remains a key area of focus for both the United States
and Australia, other areas within the alliance relationship were also discussed.
“Secretary Gates and I had a frank discussion about several points that affect
our shared security interests, including the stability of the Asia-Pacific. We
also discussed the progress of the Defence Trade Co-operation Treaty.
“I look forward to further discussions with Secretary Gates when both he and
Secretary of State Clinton are welcomed to Canberra for the 2010 Australia-
US Ministerial Consultation meeting,” 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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