Joint Media Release
The Hon Alexander Downer MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, Minister for Defence
26 September 2007
Closer Cooperation with NATO
Australia has taken an important step towards closer cooperation with NATO, with the signing of an Agreement on the Security of Information. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Downer, signed the Agreement in New York today with the Secretary General of NATO, Mr Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.
Australia’s relationship with NATO has expanded significantly in the past few years, reflecting our common commitment to promoting international security and stability.
In Afghanistan Australian troops are working alongside their NATO counterparts as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Like NATO, Australia recognises the vital importance of serious and sustained international support to the Government of Afghanistan in building a stable and prosperous future for its people. Together, we are committed to helping defeat the Taliban insurgency and preventing Al Qaeda re-establishing a terrorist safe-haven in Afghanistan.
Beyond Afghanistan, Australia’s wider engagement with NATO has grown following the NATO Riga Summit in November 2006. At the Summit Australia, as a NATO ‘contact country’, was given access to NATO activities and training under the Alliance’s Partnership for Peace program.
The Agreement signed today will allow Australia and NATO to exchange classified information and assessments on a range of security issues, including international terrorism. The Agreement will also help facilitate information exchanges on operational issues directly relevant to ADF personnel deployed in Afghanistan as part of ISAF. The Agreement formalises an existing exchange of letters covering the sharing of classified information, signed in 2005.
In accordance with Australian treaty-making practice, the Agreement will be tabled in Parliament for review by the Joint standing Committee on Treaties before binding treaty action is taken.
Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500, Dr Nelson's office - 02 6277 7800