Five Eyes nations meet on line

Defence ministers from the Five Eyes nations – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States – met via videoconference on 22-23 June.

CAPTION: Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds, Chief of Defence Forces General Angus Campbell and Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty talk to their counterparts in the Five Eyes countries.

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advance defence and security cooperation on matters of common interest to support and defend a stable, rules-based, global order, that is increasingly being challenged.

Ministers recognised the role of regional partners and institutions in shaping globally and across the Indo-Pacific a stable and secure, economically resilient community, where the sovereign rights of all states are respected.

Ministers discussed new opportunities for Five Eyes partners to further strengthen their relationship, build resilience, address challenges to international rules and norms and advance cooperation across key lines of effort in an increasingly complex and challenging geostrategic environment.

Ministers committed to meet regularly as part of efforts to address existing and emerging security challenges, and to advance their shared values of democracy, freedom and respect for human rights.

Minister for Defence Lynda Reynolds said strengthening Australia’s defence relationships was one of her top priorities, which is why she had maintained a high-tempo of international engagement during COVID-19.

“To date, I have conducted more than 25 virtual calls with key international counterparts and convened today’s meeting to discuss ways that we can further strengthen our Five Eyes defence partnership in an increasingly complex and challenging geo-strategic environment,” Minister Reynolds said.

“I am pleased that we have agreed to meet regularly to continue these productive discussions.”

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