Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Dr Mike Kelly travelled to the United States from 4 – 8 June 2012 to represent Australia at the international launch of the inter agency report ‘Partnering for Peace: Australia’s Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding Experiences in Bougainville, Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste’ at the United Nations in New York.

During his time in the United States Dr Kelly met with a number of officials from the United Nations to discuss Australia’s long standing commitment to UN peacekeeping and reform, and the Australian Government’s capacity to support successful transitions in Timor Leste and Afghanistan.

“Australia has been an active contributor to United Nations peacekeeping for over 65 years and continues to support the UN through operational contributions and doctrine and training assistance,” said Dr Kelly.

Whilst in New York, Dr Kelly also met with Australian Defence Force personnel serving with the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations and commended them on their important contributions.

He then travelled to Washington D.C. to meet with United States officials from the Departments of Defense and State to discuss planning for transition in Afghanistan. He also took the opportunity to call on a number of key think tanks to discuss Australia’s contribution to global peace and security and our enduring alliance with the US.

Media contact:   
Robbie Rynehart (Dr Kelly) 02 6277 4840 or 0459 810 654