Australia and New Zealand release bilateral Defence Framework

One the eve on ANZAC Day, Australian Defence Minister, Stephen Smith and his New Zealand counterpart, Dr Jonathan Coleman, reaffirmed their commitment to ANZAC defence cooperation with the release of the Review into the Australia-New Zealand Defence Relationship.

This joint Australia-New Zealand document outlines the new Defence Relationship Framework, announced by Minister Smith and Dr Coleman on January 29 this year.

“ANZAC Day is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand military personnel over many generations,” Smith said. 

“The Defence Relationship Framework will enhance the already strong and enduring defence partnership with our ANZAC partner.”

Close security cooperation between the two nations continues to this day with combined operations in both the Solomon Islands and East Timor. 

“The Review builds on the ANZAC tradition by strengthening bilateral engagement structures; promoting greater bilateral cooperation in Asia and the Pacific; and encouraging the development of more complementary and cost effective military capabilities,” Dr Coleman said.

The report is available at http://www.defence.gov.au/review/ausnzrelationship/index.htm