The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, highlighted the importance of new arrangements to combat misinformation in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Australia to address the spread of misinformation and disinformation effectively. The agreement aims to strengthen information integrity and enhance collaboration between the two countries in countering foreign state information manipulation.
The ceremony announcing the agreement took place in Washington D.C. ahead of the upcoming AUSMIN discussions scheduled for Aug. 6. Blinken expressed concerns about the use of misinformation and disinformation as tools by adversarial countries and emphasized the need for joint efforts to combat this threat.
Australia became the 20th country to sign a similar agreement with the United States, joining other partners from Europe, Africa, East Asia, and beyond. The MOU enables signatories to work together to identify and combat misinformation, sharing best practices and tools to build resilience in civil society and institutions.
The agreement signifies an expansion of information sharing and complementary approaches to address the threat of misinformation across the Indo-Pacific region. Australian Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the importance of protecting democratic systems and values against foreign interference.
In addition to the information sharing agreement, the two countries also signed a joint communique on the U.S.-Australia Landsat Next 2030 International Partnership Initiative. This initiative aims to enhance mapping of natural resources and support efforts to improve environmental sustainability, climate change resiliency, and economic growth.
The Landsat Next mission will provide higher resolution imaging, increased spectral bands, and improved revisit time, allowing for more accurate mapping of the planet’s environment and natural resources. Both Blinken and Wong highlighted Australia’s role in providing critical ground station infrastructure and personnel for the initiative, emphasizing the economic and technological engagement opportunities it presents.
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