Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

This year's ADMM-Plus meeting was productive and it also unanimously adopted the joint statement on advancing partnership for sustainable security. Australia's input helped to reinforce commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and to respect for freedom of navigation and overflight. The forum reviewed the progress of cooperation through the working groups on HADR, maritime security, military medicine, counterterrorism, peacekeeping, humanitarian mine action and cybersecurity. Australia announced it will co-chair the expert working group on military medicine with Brunei from next year. I was also delighted to announce, with the Philippines' Secretary of National Defense, Lorenzana, that Australia will transition its support under Operation Augury in the Philippines to an enhanced defence cooperation program from the end of this year. This will enable the ADF to continue its highly valued support for countering regional terrorism. (Time expired)