Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin chose New Zealand for his first overseas visit after assuming command of the Australian Defence Force.
“My decision to visit New Zealand demonstrates the enduring strength of the ANZAC relationship,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.
During the visit, Air Chief Marshal Binskin met with New Zealand Defence Force Chief Lieutenant General Tim Keating; New Zealand Secretary of Defence Ms Helene Quilter and the New Zealand Defence Force leadership team to discuss priorities for the bilateral defence relationship over the next four years.
“Our respective Defence Forces will engage in a range of military-to-military initiatives throughout 2014 including cross-crewing arrangements between Royal Australian and Royal New Zealand Navy vessels as well as joint training personnel exchanges in the lead up to New Zealand’s full participation in Exercise TALISMAN SABRE in 2015.”
The visit also provided an opportunity for the Defence Chiefs to discuss upcoming ANZAC Centenary commemorations.
“The Australia-New Zealand relationship we know as ANZAC remains strong 100 years after the start of World War I.
“I look forward to further enhancing interoperability and continuing the close cooperation we have established with our New Zealand counterparts,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.
Lieutenant General Keating and Ms Quilter will return to Australia later this month for the annual Australia-New Zealand Chief Executives’ Meeting.