Readout of Secretary-General's meeting with H.E. Mr. Stephen Smith, Minister forDefense of Australia

The Secretary-General met today with Australian Defense Minister Stephen

Smith. They discussed strengthening UN-Australia cooperation in areas of

peacekeeping and threats to international peace and security as well as the

protection of civilians and the promotion of respect for human rights.

The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for Australia's

contributions to the work of the United Nations, especially in Timor-Leste,

Libya, Somalia and Cyprus. The two leaders exchanged views on regional

issues, including the Pacific Islands Forum Summit, Solomon Islands,

Timor-Leste, South Sudan, Middle East and North Africa.

Sydney, 8 September 2011