From 17 to 19 May 2017, Australia and Indonesia jointly chaired the tenth meeting of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
During the event, defence officials from across the Indo-Pacific exchanged views on regional training approaches, evolving United Nations (UN) operational frameworks and associated logistics challenges.
“The Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations encourages practical defence cooperation in an area of shared interest,” Australia’s co-chair, Brigadier Robert Marsh said.
“Most countries in Australia’s neighbourhood contribute to UN peacekeeping missions.”
Australia and Indonesia recently commenced a three-year term as co-chairs of the Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations. Australia will host the next meeting later this year.
“Co-chairing this Experts’ Working Group to 2020 is a valuable opportunity for Australia and Indonesia to enhance peacekeeping cooperation in our region,” Brigadier Marsh said.
“Both countries have significant peacekeeping expertise, and Indonesia is a leading contributor to UN missions globally.”
The 2016 Defence White Paper highlights the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus as Australia’s priority for defence engagement with regional security frameworks. It brings together all 10 ASEAN states, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Japan, India, China, the Republic of Korea and Russia.
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
