Australia's flagship regional engagement activity, Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) 2024, commences this week in Sri Lanka and will involve activities with 14 countries over five months across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean.
IPE 2024 deepens diplomatic and defence engagement with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
This year's IPE includes military exercises, training, and cultural activities with a focus on topics including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and gender, peace and security.
The Australian Defence Force and Indonesian National Armed Forces will also participate in Exercise Keris Woomera, a joint bilateral amphibious activity that includes complex air, land and maritime training, for the first time during IPE 2024.
Other government agencies will also contribute to activities, reflecting Australia's whole-of-government commitment to regional stability and security.
Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN:
"Indo-Pacific Endeavour demonstrates Defence's commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
"The Australian Defence Force advances our region through sustained and effective engagement with our friends and partners in Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean.
"Exercise Keris Woomera is a significant activity and gives the Australian Defence Force the opportunity to work closely with our partner Indonesia to test our combined capabilities across the sea, on land and in the air.
"I sincerely thank all personnel deployed on Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024 and their families who contribute to maintaining the safety and security of our region."
Quotes attributable to Commander IPE 2024, Commodore Michael Harris, OAM, RAN:
"During Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024 we will be engaging, training and learning with our partners to build collective security of, with and for the region.
"Indo-Pacific Endeavour is an Australian Defence Force led whole-of-government activity to protect Australia and our partners' regional security interests.
"This year's activities focus on building our capacity to work together in maritime enforcement, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness.
"Australia is a proud multicultural nation and IPE allows us to build friendship and understanding beyond our Defence ties - through sport, community and faith-based engagements.
"Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024 will make it easier for us to work together to maintain the stability and prosperity of our region for all."
