Article Posted on : - Jan 20, 2013

Computer-generated image of the proposed Type 26 Global Combat Ship. Photo: UK MoD.

LONDON (BNS): Australia and the UK have signed the Treaty for Defence and Security Cooperation strengthening their long-standing relationship.

Australian Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence, The Right Honourable Philip Hammond sign the treaty during the Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations in Perth, Western Australia.

The treaty formalised the longstanding and extensive defence cooperation between Australia and the United Kingdom, the Australian MoD said in a statement.

The treaty will see the two countries working together in areas such as cyber security, defence reform, personnel exchange, equipment, and science and technology, it said.

With both Britain and Australia due to build new frigates in the coming years, UK's Defence Secretary agreed with his Australian counterpart to explore the possibility of co-operation over mutual design work for the Royal Navy's new type 26 global combat ship - a design that could meet the needs of the Royal Australian Navy, the UK MoD said.

AUKMIN is the premier forum for Australian and UK foreign and defence ministers to discuss strategic, foreign, security and defence matters of common concern.