Text Fwd: NATO Pushes Closer Links With Asia-Pacific

* Texts informed by Rick Rozoff

The Australian
February 7, 2011
NATO wants closer links with Asia-Pacific
Mark Dodd

NATO has flagged its intention to boost engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, saying it wants increased cooperation with Australia across a range of issues including counter-terrorism, organised crime and cyber security.

Speaking at the Australian National University tonight, visiting NATO deputy secretary-general, Claudio Bisogniero, warned that while globalisation had brought many benefits, security threats had also globalised.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd will meet Mr Bisogniero tomorrow for official talks.

The 10th anniversary of the September 11 World Trade Centre attacks was a timely reminder of how al-Qa'ida and Jemaah Islamiah epitomised a new breed of terrorism “bent on sowing death and destruction”, Mr Bisogniero said.

“From the Caucasus, through the Horn of Africa, to central and South-East Asia, fragile states have become hotbeds for organised crime, and for the trafficking of people, weapons and narcotics.
....
Despite many challenges, the 48-member NATO-led International Security Assistance Force was making encouraging progress in creating a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

“Our resolve is strong, our strategy is sound and we have in place the necessary resources to accomplish it,” Mr Bisogniero said.

“This year, 2011 will be a pivotal year for our engagement in Afghanistan,” Mr Bisogniero said.

NATO was keen to intensify its dialogue with Australia across a range of shared concerns including counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and cyber security.

Canberra was also praised for its commitment to support Afghanistan beyond 2014....


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See also

Russian Information Agency Novosti
Kurils: Russia Condemns Anti-Russian Rhetoric In Japan
February 7, 2011