Australia-New Zealand Defence Ministers to reaffirm strength of ANZAC cooperation

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, will meet her New Zealand counterpart, Minister of Defence the Hon Ron Mark, in Wellington today for the annual Australia-New Zealand Defence Ministers' Meeting (ANZDMM).

Minister Payne will be accompanied on her visit by Australia's Secretary of Defence, Mr Greg Moriarty, and Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin.

Minister Payne said that our two countries share a close historical defence bond, with our enduring defence alliance built on strong interpersonal links, common national interests, and shared values.

“The ANZDMM will provide an opportunity to review our current cooperation, and further strengthen our already close military ties,” Minister Payne said.

“We will discuss a range of mutual security issues, including cooperation in the Middle East, and ways to deepen collaboration in support of security initiatives closer to home, including our mutual security assistance to the countries of the South Pacific.

“We will also discuss respective plans for defence capability upgrades over the coming years.

“My discussions with Minister Mark at the ANZDMM are taking place as our countries continue to carry-out complex defence reforms, modernise our capabilities, and determine how to respond to an increasingly challenging strategic environment.”

Minister Payne will also lay a wreath at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park to honour our shared ANZAC military history and sacrifice.