CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE HOSTS AUSTRALIAN/UK COUNTERPARTS

The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Tim Keating, has hosted a visit to New Zealand by the United Kingdom’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton, and Chief of Defence Force Australia, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin.

The primary purpose of the visit was the biennial BRITANZ (Britain, Australia, New Zealand) meeting, hosted by LTGEN Keating in Queenstown last Thursday and Friday. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Heads of Mission from the Australian and British High Commissions in Wellington.

“The regular BRITANZ meetings allow the three chiefs to discuss issues of mutual importance to all three countries. These issues included Antarctica, countering Daesh/ISIL, and issues affecting the three defence forces.

“These meetings are a good opportunity to improve the already good relationships between the three forces and further enhancing interoperability and shared understanding. It also recognises our shared military heritage,” LTGEN Keating said.

Following the meeting the delegations travelled to Wellington to attend the Royal Military Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance on Saturday night.

ENDS