Travel to Belgium and Germany

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Belgium and Germany this week. 

In Brussels, the Deputy Prime Minister will attend the 33rd Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, co-chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany.

The Ukraine Defence Contact Group comprises more than 50 nations and coordinates the delivery of military aid to Ukraine.

The Deputy Prime Minister will then travel to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference, the premier foreign affairs and security forum in Europe.

While at the Conference, the Deputy Prime Minister will hold a series of high-level meetings with key partners from NATO and the Indo Pacific. 

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles:

“In an increasingly complex security environment, Australia’s partnership with NATO is more important than ever. 

“Australia and Europe’s interests and strategic challenges are inextricably linked, which is why we must work together to support international rules and principles.

“Australia is unwavering in our support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion. 

“I look forward to meeting counterparts in Brussels and Munich, and welcome productive discussions on how we can work together to face the shared challenges in our regions.”

MEDIA NOTE:
Media can access imagery/vision at:
Belgium - http://images.defence.gov.au/S20260195 
Germany - http://images.defence.gov.au/S20260196