Visit to United Kingdom, Germany and Turkey

I will visit the United Kingdom, Germany and Turkey from 7 to 14 February for bilateral discussions on a range of important international issues, with a focus on global security and the strategic relevance of the Asia Pacific region. These themes will also be central to the Munich Security Conference, which I will attend on 9-11 February.

In London I will speak at an Atlantic Partnership meeting about the security challenges we all face in Iraq and Afghanistan, and underline the critical need for the western community to maintain active solidarity with the United States in the interests of global security. I will also use my visit to the United Kingdom to reiterate the value we place on cooperation with the United Kingdom in countering the terrorist threat, domestically and globally, building further on the positive outcomes of the inaugural Australia-UK Ministerial Dialogue meeting, which I and the Minister for Defence attended in London last December.

In Germany I will attend the 43^rd Munich Conference on Security Policy and participate in a high-level panel discussion on “NATO in the age of Global Challenges”. I will also hold bilateral discussions with a number of senior Ministers from other countries, including the US Secretary for Defense, Robert M Gates, and NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

While in Berlin I will hold discussions with German Foreign Minister Steinmeier at a time of growing momentum across a broad front in the bilateral relationship. Germany currently holds the Presidencies of both the EU and G8, providing an excellent opportunity to discuss a range of key EU and international issues with a highly influential interlocutor. In particular, my visit will provide a timely opportunity to deepen the already close cooperation between Australia and Germany on development cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts in the Asia Pacific.

In Berlin I will sign three bilateral agreements with Germany: a supplementary agreement on Social Security which will eliminate double superannuation contributions; a Memorandum of Understanding on a Partnership on Development Assistance which will strengthen our efforts on development assistance in the Asia-Pacific region; and renewal of the Working Holiday Maker arrangement which will enhance work and study opportunities for many young Australians and Germans.

Australia's relationship with Turkey has gone from strength to strength this year, highlighted by growing dialogue on counter-terrorism and strategic issues and increasing levels of cooperation in defence, consular matters, education and trade. In Ankara I will have the opportunity personally to express Australia’s thanks to the Turkish authorities for the excellent support provided to Australia for the Anzac Day commemorations held at Gallipoli and attended by around 10,000 Australians each year, and for the generous help given during the evacuation of over 2,000 Australians from Lebanon via Turkey last year.

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