AFGHANISTAN SECURITY THE FOCUS OF AUSTRALIA-DUTCH MINISTERIAL TALKS

Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said talks held today with his Dutch counterpart, Mr Eimert van Middelkoop, confirmed the strength and vitality of the partnership between our two countries and reaffirmed a shared commitment to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations in Afghanistan.

“Australia enjoys a very close and productive relationship with the Netherlands, the strength of which is forged through our ongoing security and reconstruction efforts in southern Afghanistan,” Minister Fitzgibbon said.

“The Australian Government is honored by the Netherlands’ recent public statement of appreciation for our continued work in Afghanistan. Public expressions of Dutch support for Australia’s calls to be able to play a greater role in NATO strategic planning have been particularly appreciated.  This should help define a more comprehensive approach and long-term NATO strategy for the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

“The Australia-Dutch partnership is based on mutual respect, trust and a great commitment to improve the security and living conditions for the Afghan people.  Australia holds the Netherlands in the highest regard and respects their significant contribution to Afghanistan.  Australia has welcomed the Dutch decision to extend their leadership role in Oruzgan to July 2010.

“The meeting today provided an invaluable forum to discuss the strategic and practical aspects of continued Australia-Dutch cooperation in Afghanistan.  Importantly, it provided an opportunity to reflect on a broader, more integrated approach to security and development in the country.

“These aspects of the talks were very constructive, particularly in the lead up to next month’s NATO summit in Bucharest.

“The Australia-Dutch partnership is a strong one based on a deep commitment to working with ISAF and the Government of Afghanistan to improve governance and security to provide better living conditions for all Afghans.

“The Australian Government acknowledges the significance of this visit by the Netherlands, and appreciates the time Minister van Middelkoop will take out of his busy schedule to travel to Queensland tomorrow to meet with Australian and a small number of Dutch soldiers undertaking a Mission Rehearsal Exercise for deployment as Reconstruction Task Force (Four) into Oruzgan Province.      

Media contacts:

Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):  02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567

Defence Media Liaison:                               02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664