Visit to Australia by NATO Secretary General

Next week I will host and meet with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during his visit to Australia from 6 to 8 August.

The visit is an opportunity for Australia and NATO to boost our political and strategic engagement, including in our region.

The Secretary General will meet with the Prime Minister and also the Minister for Defence. Our discussions will focus on our Enhanced Opportunity Partnership, including further developing interoperability of armed forces.

Australia has long-standing ties with NATO. Our defence relationship and shared security interests make us natural partners.

We have made a significant contribution to the NATO-led missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, including in our high-level participation in the NATO mission to strengthen Iraqi security forces and military education by "training the trainers" to prevent the return of Daesh.

As one of NATO's five Enhanced Opportunity Partners, we are able to deepen our relationship in areas of mutual interest, including in the Pacific.

During the visit, Mr Stoltenberg will visit defence facilities and participate in events hosted by the Lowy Institute in Sydney and the Institute for Regional Security at the Australian National University in Canberra.