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Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds has jetted off to Europe to “further enhance Australia’s international defence engagement with the United Kingdom, France and NATO”.
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The Minister for Defence noted that “Australia’s defence relationships with our European partners are based on our shared history, common values and a commitment to uphold the international rules-based order”.
“In the UK, I will meet with senior defence officials, including the British Secretary of State for Defence Penny Mordaunt, to discuss the unique closeness of our bilateral relationship and how this enables us to meet the shared security challenges of the future,” Minister Reynolds said.
“I will also deliver a keynote speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies to outline how our two nations are strengthening our defence relationship in a changing strategic environment.”
Minister Reynolds is also expected to call upon the UK to be more engaged in the Indo-Pacific region, as tensions grow more and more in the region, and confirmed she would be doing the same when visiting France and meeting French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly.
The French-leg will also allow Minister Reynolds an opportunity to meet the workforce from Defence, Naval Group and Lockheed Martin Australia who are working together on Australia’s Attack Class submarine fleet.
The trip will also see Minister Reynolds “examine opportunities for increased defence industry collaboration” in Scotland’s Govan Shipyard, including supporting roles for Australia’s $35-billion Hunter Class program.
Australia’s defence industry will also be promoted in Glasgow during Minister Reynold’s visit to Thales’ establishment, where Australian-designed Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles will be built if selected for the UK’s multi-role vehicle - protected (MRV-P) program.
Minister Reynolds will then travel to Belgium to meet with NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller and “reassert Australia’s commitment as a reliable NATO partner”, as well as participate in strategic-level discussions with NATO Ambassadors and the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee.
