Yesterday in the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Ministers from Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia met.
I (Stephen Smith: Minister for Defence) reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to the FPDA, one of the longest standing multilateral operational arrangements in the region. For over forty years, the FPDA has supported peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Since the FPDA’s formation in 1971 it has become an integral part of regional security architecture.
During this time as the FPDA has made an important contribution to regional peace and security, FPDA activities have increased in scope and depth.
FPDA Ministers acknowledged another successful joint combined Exercise Bersama Shield earlier this year and noted Australia will host the land-focused command post exercise, Suman Warrior, in October in Townsville this year.
A strong FPDA exercise program is a significant demonstration of practical cooperation in the region.
The FPDA’s multilateral cooperation and capacity building efforts, including in maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, have led to a range of practical outcomes of benefit to all partners and the region.
Over the coming years, practical cooperation through established multilateral defence and security frameworks such as the FPDA will become even more important to maintain and enhance regional cooperation and security.
Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global defence and security issues.