24 September 2008
Minister for Defence meets NATO’s Defence and Security Committee

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP has met with a delegation from NATO’s Defence and Security Committee. The delegation is currently in Australia on a fact-finding visit to provide members with a better understanding of Australian views on developments in Afghanistan, our developing relationship with NATO, and the broader strategic landscape.

During the meeting Mr Fitzgibbon discussed Australia’s commitment to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan and reaffirmed his strong position that NATO member countries must do more. While he welcomed the progress made in civil-military cooperation since the NATO Summit in Bucharest in April, Mr Fitzgibbon said that much remained to be done and European countries with advanced capability needed to step up to the plate.

In addition to visiting Canberra, the delegation has visited Army Land Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Sydney, and will shortly visit Headquarters 3 Brigade and the Combat Training Centre at Laverack Barracks in Townsville.

20080924adf8054893_001
The Chairman of the NATO Security Committee, Mr Julio Miranda Calha addresses the Australian Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP.

(Date taken: 24 September 2008)
low-res | high-res

20080924adf8054893_006
The Chairman of the NATO Security Committee, Mr Julio Miranda Calha addresses the Australian Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP at today's meeting.

(Date taken: 24 September 2008)
low-res | high-res

20080924adf8054893_014
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, addresses the delegation from NATO’s Defence and Security Committee at today's meeting.

(Date taken: 24 September 2008)
low-res | high-res

20080924adf8054893_016
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, is greeted by the delegate from the United Kingdom, Mr Frank Cook at today's meeting.

(Date taken: 24 September 2008)
low-res | high-res

20080924adf8054893_018
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, is greeted by the Chairman of the NATO Security Committee, Mr Julio Miranda Calha.

(Date taken: 24 September 2008)
low-res | high-res

20080924adf8054893_026
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today met with a delegation from NATO’s Defence and Security Committee.

(Date taken: 24 September 2008)
low-res | high-res

20080924adf8054893_035
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, addresses questions from the Chairman of the NATO Security Committee, Mr Julio Miranda Calha.

(Date taken: 24 September 2008)
low-res | high-res

20080924adf8054893_071
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP is met by the United Kingdom delegate to NATO, Sir John Stanley.

(Date taken: 24 September 2008)
low-res | high-res