Joint press statements

Prime Minister Turnbull,

It is a great pleasure and honor to welcome you here to the NATO headquarters. And thank you for being here and thank you also for the strong and very productive partnership we have developed over many years between NATO and Australia.

Although Australia is far from here, you are one of NATO’s closest partners.

We share the same values: democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

By working together, we make a stronger contribution to international security.

And today, we discussed what more we can do together.

NATO and Australia stand side-by-side in the fight against terrorism.

And I welcome that you are increasing your contributions to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

Your highly professional and dedicated forces make a real difference in helping the Afghans bring stability to their country.

And we appreciate your substantial funding for Afghan forces: more than 400 million dollars so far. And a pledge that you will continue.

Your strong commitment to Afghanistan makes us all safer and more secure.

NATO and Australia are also both members of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. 

NATO supports the Coalition with training for Iraqi forces.  As does Australia.

At our Summit in July, we expect to launch a new training mission in Iraq.

This could be another area where NATO and Australia could join forces.

Together, we are committed to upholding the international rules-based order.

So besides our practical cooperation, we engage in dialogue on issues such as Russia, North Korea and the Middle East.

Our political solidarity is important as we face the challenges of the 21^st century.

Tomorrow is an important day for Australia.

Anzac Day marks the losses suffered by Australia and New Zealand in the First World War, and the conflicts that followed.

So Prime Minister, you will be in France to honor those Australians who never came home.

And in a cemetery just a kilometre from here, nine Australian airmen are buried.

Just some of many of your countrymen who bravely fought and died here for our shared values.

Their sacrifice reminds us all of why nations need to work together to prevent conflict and preserve peace.

So once again, welcome to the NATO Headquarters, it’s great to work together with you and to continue to strengthen the partnership between Australia and NATO.

Welcome.