Australia and Brunei Sign Counter-Terrorism Pact

Brunei and Australia today have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on counter-terrorism - Australia's 10^th with countries in our region.

The bombings in Indonesia and other attacks in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Spain have driven home the serious nature of the terrorism threat.

This threat cannot be fought by countries acting alone. Strong and effective cooperation across the region is essential.

Under the memorandum signed today, officials from Australia and Brunei will cooperate on security, finance, law enforcement and defence issues as well as customs, immigration, and transport concerns.

Our respective agencies will build on their existing operational-level links to counter the financing of terrorism, combat identity fraud and tighten border controls.

Exchanges of information and intelligence, joint training activities and capability-building initiatives will enhance the security of both countries.

This arrangement will help protect Australians and Australia's interests at home and abroad. This remains one of the Government's highest priorities.

Australia has already signed counter-terrorism MOUs with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Fiji, Cambodia, East Timor, India and Papua New Guinea.

These arrangements have led to enhanced bilateral cooperation, such as the joint investigation into the bombings in Indonesia, and complement regional counter-terrorism activities including through the ASEAN Regional Forum and APEC

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - DFAT Media Liaison 02 6261 1555