Australia and Switzerland have strengthened defence materiel and industry cooperation with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday.
The MoU, which was signed by Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and the Ambassador of Switzerland to Australia, Mr Pedro Zwahlen, will facilitate cooperation between defence industries in both countries while recognising the fundamental importance of a sovereign defence industry to develop and maintain defence capability.
Minister Pyne said the MoU would deliver ‘long-term tangible benefits’ to both countries’ defence capabilities.
“The MOU will allow us to identify opportunities for collaboration, support defence equipment transfers and sharing of information,” the Minister said.
“The joint declaration reflects the mutual commitment of Australia and Switzerland to deepen our friendship as well as our dedication to increased bilateral defence materiel and industry cooperation to the benefit of both countries.”
“Australia and Switzerland already share a long and productive history, and I look forward to strengthening our relationship in relation to defence materiel cooperation, sustainment and capability development.”
