NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Over the past decade, NATO and Australia have developed meaningful practical cooperation in a large number of areas, which is complemented by political dialogue. The then Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer addressed the North Atlantic Council in 2005 and 2006. Current Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has met the NATO Secretary General several times since being in office and also addressed the North Atlantic Council in December 2008. The NATO Secretary General visited Australia in April 2005. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd also participated at the NATO summit meeting with other countries contributing troops to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, which took place in Bucharest in April 2008.

NATO and Australia cooperate in many different areas most notably in the fight against terrorism, non-proliferation initiatives and other military activities. Australian defence personnel have participated in a number of NATO activities, including several military exercises. To support this enhanced cooperation, Australia has appointed a defence attaché in Brussels. NATO and Australia have also concluded an agreement on the protection of classified information.

Australia is making a valuable and significant contribution to the NATO-led ISAF mission to stabilize Afghanistan, with around 1100 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed there. The country is contributing to a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Uruzgan province in southern Afghanistan, working closely with Dutch forces to provide security and deliver reconstruction and community-based projects. Australia is also contributing a Special Operations Task Group operating in direct support of ISAF elements in Uruzgan province. These forces operate under an Australian commander, working within the ISAF framework.

Australia’s contribution to international efforts in Afghanistan follows its contribution to NATO-led stabilization operations in the former Yugoslavia.