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

Again I thank Senator Molan for his question. Our region, without question, is in the midst of the most consequential strategic realignment since the end of World War II. Increasingly, there is an imperative for Australia to actively and more assertively advocate regional security and stability, because, without security in our region, there is no prosperity. Since becoming the Minister for Defence, I've held over 70 bilateral and multilateral engagements with international counterparts, and 27 of those have been in person. These regional visits provide an important opportunity to deepen engagement with important partners, and it was very, very clear to me that, like Australia, my regional counterparts want to see a region that is secure, one that is prosperous and one where the sovereign interests and the sovereign rights of all states, be they large or small, are respected. And, Mr President, they all expressed a genuine desire to further deepen their partnerships with Australia. (Time expired)