France gives Australia access to New Caledonia base
Updated
![Australian and French defence ministers Joel Fitzgibbon and Herve Morin say a new agreement will enable even closer cooperation. [AFP]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/aus_fitzgibbonmorin_afp_170908.jpg?<BR> "Australian and French defence ministers Joel Fitzgibbon and Herve Morin say a new agreement will enable even closer cooperation. [AFP]")
Australian and French defence ministers Joel Fitzgibbon and Herve Morin say a new agreement will enable even closer cooperation. [AFP]
Australia is to have greater access to France's military base in New Caledonia.
Radio Australia's Michael Cavanagh reports the deal, yet to be signed, follows a meeting today in Canberra between Australia's defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon and his French counterpart Herve Morin.
Mr Fitzgibbon says the deal reflects Australia's increased commitment to the region ensuring peace, stability and prosperity.
Mr Morin says it will enable even closer cooperation with Australia and will allow Australia to use the base for logistic support mainly for naval forces but also for other Australian operations.
He says the deal is part of France's restructuring of defence capabilities in the Pacific with the New Caledonia operation to be the major base.
The agreement also comes as the Australian government prepares to release a defence white paper later this year which will map out the country's defence priorities for years to come.
