Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman

Minister of Defence

15 November 2012 Media Statement

Defence Minister in Perth for talks

Defence Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman is departing for Perth today to hold talks with the Australian Defence Minister, Stephen Smith.

It will be their first formal talks since they signed the Australia-New Zealand Defence Relationship Review at Melbourne in January this year.

“We have an excellent defence relationship with Australia and this meeting helps ensure the relationship is well maintained or consolidated on a practical level,” said Dr Coleman.

“We are likely to discuss regional and global security issues as well as examine avenues for practical defence co-operation. This includes increasing co-operation on sealift and maritime sustainment,” he said.

While in Perth the Minister will attend a wreath laying service with Stephen Smith and visit Campbell Barracks. He returns to New Zealand on Saturday morning.

ENDS

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