THE HON. JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Thursday, 29 May 2008
048/2008
UK AND AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MINISTERS MEET IN
CANBERRA
The Minister of Defence, Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, and the UK Secretary of State for
Defence, the Rt. Hon. Des Browne MP, met in Canberra today, their fourth meeting
since the November 2007 Australian election.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Mr Browne to Australia. Our discussions have been
most productive and reflect the dynamic, contemporary nature of the relationship
between Australia and the UK,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“We’ve also agreed that our departments should explore ways to better exchange
strategic planning and doctrine.”
Mr Browne said that their meeting had built upon the extensive discussion between
Prime Ministers Rudd and Brown in London in April, particularly on emerging threats
and challenges and the implications of climate change for Defence.
At the meeting, broad areas of National Security and Defence policy were discussed,
including the recently published UK National Security Strategy and the current
Australian Defence White Paper process.
The outcome of the NATO Summit at Bucharest was discussed and both welcomed
a NATO strategic approach to Afghanistan that recognised the importance of broader
political and military coordination.
Both Mr Fitzgibbon and Mr Browne reiterated the strategic significance of
Afghanistan and their respective national long-term commitment to supporting the
Government of Afghanistan.
Mr Browne updated Mr Fitzgibbon on the situation in Basra and the improvements in
security following recent operations by Iraqi Forces. He praised the contribution
made by Australian Defence Forces under UK MND(SE) command in Southern Iraq,
and noted the longstanding commitment of Australian theatre maritime and air
assets.
In discussing regional security issues, both Ministers noted the importance of the
Five Power Defence Arrangements as one of the few multi-lateral operationally-
focused defence mechanisms in the Asia-Pacific region and expressed their
commitment to meet fellow FPDA ministers in the near future at the Shangri La
Dialogue.
Media note: Images will be available from:
Media contacts:
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
