The Hon Richard Marles MP
15 May 26
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The Hon Richard Marles MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Defence
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15 May 2026
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles is travelling to the Middle East, where he will meet with leaders in the United Arab Emirates and our Australian Defence Force personnel serving in the Gulf region.
Australia remains committed to supporting the collective self-defence of regional countries, including the UAE, in line with our long history of contributing to peace and security in the Middle East.
Australia wants to see the conflict end, the Strait of Hormuz open and freedom of navigation restored.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
“We continue to work closely with our friends and partners to contribute to the defence of Gulf States, through our deployment of the E7-A Wedgetail aircraft and delivery of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
“Peace and security in the Middle East matters to Australia, which is why we are working with our allies to support efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”
MEDIA NOTE:
Media will be able to access imagery/vision at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20261363 in due course.