Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks hosted Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy at the Pentagon to reaffirm the robust and growing alliance between the United States and Australia. The meeting marked another significant milestone in the longstanding partnership, focusing on key defense cooperation efforts between the two nations.
During the discussions, both leaders reviewed the progress made since their April 2024 meeting, highlighting the growing collaboration in defense industrial cooperation. This cooperation aims to bolster the defense capabilities of both nations, ensuring a more secure and stable Indo-Pacific region. One of the central topics discussed was the advancement of co-production and co-development efforts under Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise. This initiative seeks to enhance Australia’s defense capabilities through the development and deployment of advanced weaponry, in collaboration with the United States.
A key element of the dialogue was the further strengthening of the AUKUS trilateral partnership, which includes the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This partnership, designed to bolster defense and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, remains a vital aspect of the strategy to maintain regional stability and counter emerging threats. The leaders emphasized the importance of continued collaboration within this framework, particularly in the areas of technological innovation and capability development.
Deputy Secretary Hicks and Minister Conroy reaffirmed their countries’ shared commitment to advancing cooperation not only bilaterally but also with other regional allies and partners. They emphasized the necessity of upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision that continues to guide the United States’ and Australia’s defense strategies.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing confidence in the unbreakable alliance between their countries and their mutual dedication to security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The partnership, they affirmed, is vital to confronting current and future challenges in the region and beyond.–News Desk