MEETING BETWEEN DEFENCE MINISTER AND PAKISTAN GENERAL TARIQ MAJID, CHAIRMAN JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today met with General Tariq Majid, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pakistan.

Mr Fitzgibbon and General Tariq Majid discussed the significant military operations currently being conducted against militants in the North West Frontier region of Pakistan. Mr Fitzgibbon expressed his sorrow for the losses suffered by the Pakistan Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism, and for the suffering of the civilian populations as a result of the recent fighting.

“Pakistan’s success in its conflict with Taliban extremists on its soil is critical to regional and global security, as well as Australia’s own national interest,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Australia also recognises the complex challenges that Pakistan faces and appreciates the efforts of Pakistan towards maintaining security.

Mr Fitzgibbon announced a significant increase in access to Defence Cooperation Program training courses in Australia for Pakistan Military personnel. Training course places will increase from around ten in the current financial year to around 70 for next year.

“The Australian Defence Force is working with the Pakistan Military on a number of counter insurgency training initiatives both in Australia and Pakistan. As a first step, six Pakistani officers have been invited to attend the counter-insurgency module at the Australian Defence College in late 2009,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“We appreciate that the Pakistan military has significant expertise in confronting the extremist and terrorist threat. Our increased engagement is focussed on providing training to assist Pakistan in this task.” 

Mr Fitzgibbon emphasised that Australia was developing the engagement program in close consultation with Pakistan, and he expressed the desire to explore options to increase this assistance further.

General Tariq Majid said that Pakistan appreciates the role played by Australia as part of the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan, and emphasised that Pakistan and Australia have common interests and shared objectives in promoting peace and stability in the region.

General Tariq Majid said that Pakistan is committed to stem and eradicate extremism from its soil while continuing to support the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan. He also emphasised the need to adopt a collaborative approach and comprehensive solutions to meet the challenges that Pakistan faces today.

Media note: Still imagery will be available at www.defence.gov.au/media/download

Media contacts:

Jack Smith (Joel Fitzgibbon):                              02 6277 7800 or 0408 116 423

Defence Media Liaison:                                       02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664