Defence Chiefs Of Australia And Botswana Meet

Defence Chiefs Of Australia And Botswana Meet In Canberra

The Defence Chiefs of Australia and Botswana met in Canberra today to discuss issues of mutual security interest.

Commander of the Botswana Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tebogo Masire, received a ceremonial welcome including an honour guard at Russell Offices in Canberra before meeting with the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.

The pair discussed security issues of interest to both countries, including Sudan, Somalia and Zimbabwe.

Air Chief Marshal Houston said Australia was committed to pursuing deeper and broader engagement with Africa.

“The Australian and Botswana Defence Forces are currently working together as peacekeepers for the United Nations Mission in Sudan and the United Nations and African Union Mission in Darfur,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“We are working side by side to stabilise the region and to provide support for an effective peace process.

“Lieutenant General Masire’s visit to Australia is another step towards enhancing the relationship between Australia and Botswana.”

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, departed yesterday for a visit to Ethiopia and Poland where he will discuss a range of issues regarding Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan and Africa.

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