Sir has met his Dutch
counterpart in London to sign an agreement that will strengthen
defence relations between the two countries.
Sir Michael agreed the joint vision statement - a commitment to
strengthen co-operation in areas including hybrid and cyber
warfare and counter-terrorism - with Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert,
Minister of Defence for the Netherlands.
The agreement will include a pledge to work more closely across
defence and security policy, intelligence and joint exercises. It
will also see the exchange of personnel and work towards a
UK-Netherlands Amphibious Force.
Defence Secretary Sir said:
Today, the UK has stepped up its relationship with the
Netherlands - one of our closest and most reliable European
allies. We have committed to working more closely to tackle
common threats, from cyber security to terrorism, and will be
united in our drive for the EU and NATO to work better together.
The UK is stepping forward not back from the global stage and
will continue to defend our continent before and after Brexit.
The UK and Netherlands have a long history working together
through the UN, NATO, Joint Expeditionary Force and, most
recently, in the Counter Daesh Global Coalition. The Dutch have
also committed a company of Marines to the UK-led NATO Very High
Readiness Joint Task Force (Land) this year.
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Minister of Defence for the
Netherlands said:
I very much value the strong military ties between the UK and the
Netherlands. Clearly, our collective security is at stake, and I
am convinced that we can only face today’s and tomorrow’s
challenges by joining forces. We need each other more than ever.
Military cooperation, either bilateral or within NATO-EU, is
crucial in securing and safeguarding peace and stability at home
and abroad.
Sir Michael and Dutch Minister of Defence Jeanine
Hennis-Plasschaert met at Admiralty House after attending the
Queen’s Birthday Parade.
