Australia - New Zealand defence ministers to meet

Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Marise Payne will meet with her New Zealand counterpart, Minister of Defence the Hon Gerry Brownlee MP, in Christchurch on Monday 14 December 2015.

“This will be our first formal bilateral meeting and will provide a timely opportunity to discuss mutual defence and security issues,” Minister Payne said.

The Ministers will discuss a range of security issues, including international efforts to counter Da’esh and the work of the Australian and New Zealand defence forces in deployments such as the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai, Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan, and the Building Partner Capacity mission in Iraq.

“Regional security initiatives such as the Pacific Maritime Security Program and our respective Defence White Papers, both scheduled to be released early next year, will also be discussed,” Minister Payne said.

“Australia’s defence relationship with New Zealand is one of our most enduring and important security partnerships. We are committed to deepening our strategic dialogue, practical cooperation, and enhancing our interoperability.

“Our discussions on Monday will take place as both countries carry out major Defence reforms, modernise our capabilities, and weigh how to respond to complex strategic challenges,” she said.

Source:  Defence Media