I was invited to take part in the NATO Defence Ministers' Meeting which was held by video conference overnight.
It is the first time Australia has been invited to attend a non-operational session of a NATO Defence Ministers' Meeting.
We discussed our nations' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the geopolitical challenges presented by the crisis.
Australia shares NATO's commitment to peace, security and rules based order, which has been instrumental in maintaining global stability for decades.
Our forces have a long history of working alongside NATO in operational settings.
Engaging with NATO has been a priority for me as Minister for Defence.
In August last year, I welcomed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to Australia, where we signed the Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme to enhance interoperability between Australia and NATO.
Earlier this year, I also attended the 56th Munich Security Conference where I met with my counterparts from across the globe, including Secretary General Stoltenberg, to discuss security issues of common concern.
I look forward to Australia's continued engagement with NATO in the future.
