| MEDIA RELEASE |
The Hon. John Moore, MP
Minister for Defence
| Friday 22 January 1999 | MIN 013/99 |
Defence Minister to visit US and Britain
The Minister for Defence, John Moore, will visit the United States and the United Kingdom from 23 January to 7 February for discussions with his counterparts. This will be Mr Moore's first visit to both countries as Defence Minister.
"An important objective of the visit is to meet with my American and British counterparts and to share perspectives on a number of defence and security issues," Mr Moore said.
"Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom are all working through a period of change through Defence reform. We are all engaged in a process of seeking to do business better, faster and cheaper, thereby saving money which can be used to modernise our armed forces."
During the visit to the UK, Mr Moore will meet with UK Secretary of State for Defence, George Robertson, Armed Forces Minister Doug Henderson, and Defence Procurement Minister Lord Gilbert.
"Australia values the strength of the bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom. Though Australia's security and prosperity are linked closely with the Asia-Pacific and the UK is closely linked with Europe, we both have major interests in each other's regions. The relationship also provides value across a range of areas such as industry and technology, training and development, logistic support and intelligence."
While in the United States, Mr Moore will discuss a range of topics of mutual interest to both nations with US Secretary of Defence, William Cohen and other US officials. These issues will include international and regional security, the defence relationship and the forthcoming Australia-United States Ministerial talks (AUSMIN) to be held in the United States later this year.
"The alliance with the United States remains a key element of Australia's defence and security posture. The relationship between the US and Australia brings significant benefits to both parties. Moreover, the alliance relationship, which has its foundation in shared strategic interests, is an important factor in maintaining regional stability," Mr Moore said.
Further information . . .
Chris Wordsworth: (02) 6277 7800, 0419 982 482
Media Adviser
Facsimile: (02) 6273 4118
E-mail: word@defence.gov.au