Media Release
FA143 - 3 October 2002
Australia and Thailand Sign MOU on Counter-Terrorism
Today I have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thai
Foreign Minister Dr Surakiart Sathirathai on cooperation in the fight
against international terrorism.
This is the third counter-terrorism MOU we have concluded with our
South East Asia partners this year, following our recent agreements
with Malaysia and Indonesia.
International terrorism is a threat to all countries and peoples,
not just Western interests. It threatens the hopes of Asian countries
for peace and security. International terrorism also transcends religious,
ethnic and national boundaries.
The war on terrorism can only be won through strong and effective
cooperation between Governments. The MOU reflects the determination
and commitment of Australia and Thailand to work together against
terror.
The MOU builds on the existing strong links between Australian and
Thai law enforcement, defence and security agencies. Under the MOU,
Australian and Thai agencies will exchange information and intelligence
on international terrorist activities and related transnational organised
crime. Agencies will also focus on combating the financing of terrorism
and countering money laundering.
The MOU also provides a framework for Australia and Thailand to improve
border controls, combat identity fraud and eliminate the illegal traffic
in arms and explosives. In addition, it provides for the strengthening
of counter-terrorist capabilities through training, seminars and exchange
visits by officials and specialists.
Australia and Thailand have already demonstrated their commitment
to fighting terrorism at a regional level by co-hosting an ASEAN Regional
Forum (ARF) workshop on the prevention of terrorism, in Bangkok in
April this year.
The MOU complements these important regional counter-terrorism activities
already taking place in regional groups such as the ARF and APEC and
helps make our region a safer place.
Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) +61 02 6277 7500 / Julie
McDonald (Departmental) +61 02 6261 1555
Local Date:
Saturday, 06-Dec-2008 03:52:07 EST
