Payne, Mattis to discuss Afghanistan and North Korea on US visit

Defence Minister Marise Payne is headed to Washington and Honolulu for talks with key US defence officials, including Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis.

Marise Payne Jim Mattis

Defence Minister Marise Payne and her counterpart Jim Mattis are expected to speak about Afghanistan and North Korea during her US trip. Source: US DEPT. OF STATE

Defence Minister Marise Payne is expected to discuss Australia's role in the war in Afghanistan during a visit to the US this week.

Senator Payne will have talks with senior Trump administration members including US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis during her visit from Monday to Thursday.

As well as Afghanistan, the ongoing fight against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, and the North Korean nuclear threat are likely to dominate the agenda.
The Turnbull government has not ruled out increasing Australia's military commitment to Afghanistan after US President Donald Trump unveiled his new war blueprint in late August.

In May, Australia's government made a modest boost of 30 to its mission, bringing the total troops in Afghanistan to 300.

Senator Payne will also meet US Congress members and a leading group of women in Washington DC who work in the national security arena.

She will also stop in Honolulu for talks with Commander US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris and will pay her respects to US military personnel who lost their lives in world wars.

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Published 18 September 2017 4:56pm
Updated 18 September 2017 5:32pm


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