SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
035/2009
STRONG DEFENCE RELATIONSHIP WITH UK
CONTINUES
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner and UK Minister for
International Defence and Security, Baroness Ann Taylor, met today at
Parliament House in Canberra.
“Australia and the UK have a strong defence relationship based on shared
history, common ideals and closely aligned strategic outlooks. Our practical
defence ties include operational cooperation in Afghanistan, extensive
service-to-service links, capability and materiel cooperation, strategic
dialogue, and science and technology cooperation,” Senator Faulkner said.
Senator Faulkner and Baroness Taylor discussed commitments in
Afghanistan and counter-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa and
cooperation with NATO as a contact country and member of the NATO-led
ISAF mission.
“Australian and UK commitments are helping the Government of Afghanistan
to maintain a more stable and secure environment by building the capability of
the Afghan National Army”, Baroness Taylor said.
During the meeting Senator Faulkner and Baroness Taylor reiterated their
commitment to the Joint Statement on the Australia-UK defence relationship,
which outlines the depth and breadth of our defence ties.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to note the finalisation of the
classified joint review of the defence relationship, committed to by Prime
Minister Rudd and UK Prime Minister Brown in their Joint Statement on the
Strategic Partnership on 30 March 2009.
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
