Australia, Britain to hold talks on boosting defense and economic ties
Australia and Britain's defense and foreign ministers will discuss enhancing cooperation amid shared strategic challenges.
SYDNEY: Australia and Britain’s defense and foreign ministers are scheduled to hold talks in Sydney on Friday to explore bolstering their collaboration.
This development coincides with Australia’s largest war games, Talisman Sabre, and the first visit by a British carrier strike group in nearly three decades, as outlined by Australian authorities.
Following the Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN), Britain’s Foreign Minister David Lammy and Defense Secretary John Healey are set to travel to Darwin, a northern garrison city where the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has docked for participation in Talisman Sabre.
The Australian government views the United Kingdom as a crucial ally, emphasizing that the two nations share strategic challenges in an increasingly complex global landscape.
This sentiment was echoed by Defense Minister Richard Marles, who issued a statement highlighting Australia's commitment to strengthening ties.
The 2025 edition of Talisman Sabre, which began on July 13 and will conclude on August 4, involves approximately 40,000 troops from 19 countries.
These exercises are designed as a rehearsal for joint combat operations aimed at maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Britain has notably increased its participation in this year’s event, with 3,000 British troops taking part.
Talks between Australian and British officials are expected to address advancements within the AUKUS partnership, particularly regarding the development of a new class of nuclear-powered submarines by both countries.
There is ongoing discussion surrounding the trilateral defense technology agreement involving Australia, Britain, and the United States, as well as the expectation for increased defense spending from Australia.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the longstanding friendship between Australia and Britain, stating that both nations seek to modernize their relationship.
She highlighted areas of focus such as building defensive capabilities, bolstering economic resilience, advocating for human rights, advancing gender equality, and defending international rules that protect global security.
This development coincides with Australia’s largest war games, Talisman Sabre, and the first visit by a British carrier strike group in nearly three decades, as outlined by Australian authorities.
Following the Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN), Britain’s Foreign Minister David Lammy and Defense Secretary John Healey are set to travel to Darwin, a northern garrison city where the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has docked for participation in Talisman Sabre.
The Australian government views the United Kingdom as a crucial ally, emphasizing that the two nations share strategic challenges in an increasingly complex global landscape.
This sentiment was echoed by Defense Minister Richard Marles, who issued a statement highlighting Australia's commitment to strengthening ties.
The 2025 edition of Talisman Sabre, which began on July 13 and will conclude on August 4, involves approximately 40,000 troops from 19 countries.
These exercises are designed as a rehearsal for joint combat operations aimed at maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Britain has notably increased its participation in this year’s event, with 3,000 British troops taking part.
Talks between Australian and British officials are expected to address advancements within the AUKUS partnership, particularly regarding the development of a new class of nuclear-powered submarines by both countries.
There is ongoing discussion surrounding the trilateral defense technology agreement involving Australia, Britain, and the United States, as well as the expectation for increased defense spending from Australia.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the longstanding friendship between Australia and Britain, stating that both nations seek to modernize their relationship.
She highlighted areas of focus such as building defensive capabilities, bolstering economic resilience, advocating for human rights, advancing gender equality, and defending international rules that protect global security.
