I will visit New York on 24 and 25 September to participate in a high-level meeting of the United Nations Security Council convened by US President Obama to address the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters.
Combating the threat posed by foreign fighters – including some 60 Australians – who have joined ISIL and other terrorist groups to fight in Iraq and Syria is one of the government’s highest national security priorities.
I will discuss with President Obama and other leaders the urgent need for strong international cooperation to combat ISIL and similar extremist groups.
It is important for Australia and for the world that ISIL is defeated.
ISIL represents not only a humanitarian threat to the people of Iraq and Syria but a very real threat to the safety of the Australian community.
I fully support President Obama’s call for action and Australia will work with our international partners to combat this evil menace.
While in New York I will also deliver Australia’s national statement at the United Nations General Assembly and meet with key leaders ahead of the G20 meeting in Brisbane in November 2014.
11 September 2014