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The Northern Territory Government is strengthening defence ties with the United States.

This week the Chief Minister met with Representative Brad Wenstrup, who was visiting Darwin on a U.S. State Department organised congressional delegation.

The Congressman was accompanied by Commander Eduardo Vargas of the US Navy and RAAF Air Commodore Sandy Turner.

They visited the U.S Marine Rotational Force stationed in Darwin and were briefed on the works to date in the Northern Territory, to support U.S. Defence activity.

Congressman Wenstrup is on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, charged with the oversight of the U.S. Intelligence Community.

The Chief Minister also shared the Northern Territory’s experience in managing COVID 19, as the Congressman is Chairman of the U.S. Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus pandemic.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister and Minister for Defence, Natasha Fyles:

“The Northern Territory shares a long and proud military history with the United States, which has grown closer in recent years with the Marine Rotational Force stationed here.

“We value our relationship with the United States, and remain committed to strengthening our defence ties, which also boosts our local economy and provides well-paying jobs.

“The Northern Territory is strategically significant for the defence of our nation, as well as our neighbours and allies, and we take our role seriously.

“Supporting Indo Pacific countries for preparedness and capacity to respond to health and disaster emergencies is a role the US and Australia are collaborating closely on and one the Territory can significantly contribute to.”

Northern Territory Government