10 September 2018
Chief of Defence Force Attends His First Asia-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference
Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short is attending his first conference of Chiefs of Defence from across the
Asia-Pacific region over the next few days in Hawaii.
The Asia-Pacific region is host to a range of complex air, maritime, and cyber security challenges. The conference,
hosted by the United States Indo-Pacific Command, provides a forum for chiefs of defence to work together to find
solutions to current and emerging threats.
The conference is an annual event, which is held biennially in Hawaii and in a partner country in the region every other
year.
“The meeting provides an opportunity to develop relationships with counterparts from other countries in the region,” Air
Marshal Short said. “Our relationships with other militaries is of fundamental importance to the New Zealand Defence
Force.
“We also have a good relationship with Indo Pacific Command, and attendance at this conference continues that close
relationship.”
In addition to the conference seminars and workshops, Air Marshal Short’s programme over the next two days will include
bilateral meetings with his counterparts, and co-hosting a breakfast with his Australian counterpart for Pacific Island
nation chiefs of defence.
ENDS