For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
CANBERRA, Australia—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today continued her visit in Canberra, Australia where she was joined by U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich and Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Alan Bersin for a roundtable discussion on national security and bilateral meetings with Australian counterparts to discuss a variety of issues including information sharing, trusted traveler programs, cybersecurity, countering violent extremism, combating transnational crime, and global supply chain security.
“Our partnership with Australia is growing deeper and stronger, as evidenced by the security-related statements signed today,” said Secretary Napolitano. “By enhancing collaboration between our two countries, we will continue to work together to develop a cooperative and global approach to the challenges and threats we all face.”
While in Australia, Secretary Napolitano signed a Joint Statement on Countering Transnational Crime, Terrorism and Violent Extremism with Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Management Nicola Roxon, underscoring the collaboration between the two nations to combat terrorist and criminal threats. Secretary Napolitano also met with Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and Defense Materiel Jason Clare to sign a Statement of Intent on Frequent Traveler Facilitation; a Joint Statement on the Development of a Framework for Cooperative International Targeting and Assessment; and a Joint Statement on Global Supply Chain Security, reaffirming the commitment of both countries to strengthen the global supply chain while facilitating international trade and travel. Secretary Napolitano also met bilaterally with Senator George Brandis, Shadow Attorney-General.
Secretary Napolitano also joined Australian National Security Advisor Dr. Margot McCarthy for a roundtable discussion on national security, highlighting the continued cooperation between the two nations to address evolving threats, including countering violent extremism and cybersecurity. Since 2006, Australia has participated in Cyber Storm, DHS’ biennial cybersecurity exercise series to strengthen cyber preparedness in the public and private sectors.
Tomorrow, Secretary Napolitano will travel to Brisbane to lead the Presidential delegation to Brisbane for the commemoration ceremony of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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