Andrew Little represents NZ at regional meeting on counter-terrorism

Co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia, the sub-regional meeting built on the achievements of last year’s Manado conference. Discussion centred on how to counter terrorism and violent extremism in South East Asia.

Justice Minister and Minister Responsible for the NZSIS and GCSB Andrew Little has represented New Zealand at the rescheduled second sub-regional meeting on counter-terrorism, which has concluded in Jakarta, Indonesia. The previously scheduled meeting was interrupted by the 5 August Lombok earthquake.

Co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia, the sub-regional meeting built on the achievements of last year's Manado conference. Discussion centred on how to counter terrorism and violent extremism in South East Asia.

"New Zealand has a clear interest in contributing to South East Asia's security. We are friends and neighbours, and share strong economic and trade connections with the region.

"This was a timely meeting. Although Da'esh is on the back-foot in the Middle East, their hateful propaganda continues to reach individuals and groups around the globe.

"The Coalition Government is committed to working with other countries to safeguard communities from the global problem of violent extremism," Andrew Little said.

Meeting attendees, including New Zealand, issued a joint communique stating their support for expanding regional counter-terrorism cooperation to reduce the threat of returning foreign terrorist fighters, address terrorist misuse of the internet and build resilient communities able to resist violent extremist ideology, including with the support of women and youth-led civil society organisations.

Andrew Little also appreciated hearing about the earthquake recovery in Lombok. "Like Cantabrians, the people of Lombok and Indonesia have shown remarkable resilience in the aftermath of the earthquakes," Andrew Little said.

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)