Photo: Defence Connect

Minister Payne said the meetings are an important opportunity to discuss Australia’s ongoing contributions to the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, and progress made by the United States-led Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh in Iraq and Syria.

“Australia continues to be a key global contributor to these efforts to defeat terrorists at their source and to prevent their spread across the globe, including to the Indo-Pacific region,” Minister Payne said.

“Australia is an Enhanced Opportunity Partner of NATO and our relationship is reflective of our shared values and our steadfast commitment to global stability and security.”

While in Brussels Minister Payne will also meet with a number of counterparts and officials. 

Minister Payne said the visit to Brussels was an important opportunity to share Australia’s perspective on the Indo-Pacific and broader global security challenges.

“Australia is committed to working with defence partners to reinforce and uphold the rules-based global order that is crucial to all our nations’ security and prosperity,” Minister Payne said.