Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, will attend the Resolute Support session of the NATO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Brussels on 29 June 2017.
Minister Payne will discuss the progress of the NATO-led mission and affirm Australia’s continued commitment to Afghanistan.
The Australian Government announced recently an increase in its contribution to the Resolute Support training mission, in order to help Afghan forces secure their country and fight global terrorism.
“The Australian Government agreed to enhance our contribution to the Resolute Support mission by increasing the number of Australian Defence Force personnel deployed in Afghanistan from around 270 to around 300,” Minister Payne said.
“Afghanistan is facing a challenging security environment and this extra support will assist in efforts to deny terrorists the safe havens that threaten the international community,” Minister Payne said.
Minister Payne will also meet with NATO counterparts to discuss key issues of mutual strategic interest, including Australia’s commitment to the global fight against terrorism.