SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Thursday, 22 October 2009
038/2009
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE TO ATTEND NATO
MINISTERS’ MEETING IN SLOVAKIA
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, will tomorrow attend a
meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and non-NATO
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) partners in Bratislava,
Slovakia, to discuss the campaign in Afghanistan.
“This ISAF meeting is occurring at a critical time – both in terms of the Afghan
elections and the consideration by the United States and ISAF partners of a
revised strategy for Afghanistan,” said Senator Faulkner.
“It is important for coalition partners to meet and take stock of recent events
and discuss the best path forward for Afghanistan. I look forward to meeting
with colleagues to discuss these vital issues.
“As a significant contributor to Afghanistan, the Australian Government has
pushed for inclusion at these NATO fora. Our presence at these regular
Afghanistan-related meetings is crucial – we need to ensure our views are
heard loudly and clearly.”
Of the 42 ISAF nations, Australia is among the 10 largest contributors, and is
the largest non-NATO troop contributing nation.
In April this year, the Prime Minister announced an increase in Australia’s
troop commitment to Afghanistan, with a focus on training and mentoring the
Afghan National Army’s 4th Brigade Kandaks in Oruzgan Province in southern
Afghanistan.
Australia is also the largest contributor to NATO’s Afghan National Army Trust
Fund, pledging USD$200 million over five years.
“While southern Afghanistan remains a very dangerous and volatile area, our
work training and mentoring the Afghan forces is being well received. Local
communities in these areas welcome the presence of Afghan forces and the
security they bring,” said Senator Faulkner.
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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