Washington DC, 7 December 2022 (TDI): The 32nd annual Australia and United States (US) Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) took place in Washington DC on Tuesday.
AUSMIN 2022 was hosted by the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin along with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. From Australia’s side, Foreign Minister, Penny Wong and Defense Minister, Richard Marles participated.
Also read: Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2021
Statement by US Secretary of Defense
Speaking at the event, the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd highlighted the stronger democratic bond between Australasia and US.
In this vein, he stated, “The bonds between our democracies and our peoples have been forged by shared sacrifice, shared values, and shared history.”
“Based on today’s talks, we will increase the rotational presence of US forces in Australia. That includes rotations of bomber task forces and future rotations of US Navy & Army capabilities.” Lloyd reiterated.
Talking about the Russia and Ukraine conflict, Lloyd added, “Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is an attack on the international rules-based order and is a threat to nations all over the world.”
He discussed how China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific area were endangering regional stability and peace.
Also read: Lloyd Austin III met with Australian counterpart ahead of AUSMIN
Statement by Australian Defense Minister
While the Defense Minister of Australia stated that the US is not alone in concerns about increased tensions in the Indo-Pacific. He added that Australia will invite Japan to discuss the increasing tension in the region.
Along these lines, Richard stated, “It is a great outcome of today’s meeting that we can go to Japan at the end of this week. We will invite Japan to participate in exercises with Australia and the United States.”
The Defense Minister appreciated the efforts of the US to strengthen the US and Australian defense industrial bases. He said, “We need to be working closely together to enhance our military capability and to develop new technologies.”
About AUSMIN Consultations
The Australia–US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) is the principal forum for bilateral consultations with the US.
It brings together the Australian Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defense with the US Secretaries of State and Defense, along with senior officials from both portfolios.
The consultations provide an opportunity to discuss perspectives on global and regional political issues and to deepen bilateral foreign security and, defense cooperation.
