Nation leaders Scott Morrison, Joe Biden and Boris Johnson have released a joint national security statement announcing a new trilateral partnership for the Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking at a virtual event on Thursday, the leaders announced the creation of a new trilateral relationship - "AUKUS".
"Today we join our nations in the next-generation partnership, built on a strong foundation of proven trust. We have always seen the world through a similar lens. We have always believed in a world that favours freedom, that respects human dignity – the rule of law, the independence of sovereign states and the peaceful fellowship of nations," Mr Morrison said.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he is “delighted” the UK, the US and Australia will be working in joint partnership to strengthen stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“We’re opening a new chapter in our friendship, and the first task of this partnership will be to help Australia acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.”
President Biden affirmed how the situation in the Indo-Pacific has deepened the allied relationship between the three nations.
"Australia and the United Kingdom have long been capable and faithful partners and we're even closer today. Today, we're taking another historic step to deepen and formalise cooperation among all three of our nations, because we all recognise the imperative of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific over the long-term," he said.
"As a key project under AUKUS, we are launching consultations with Australia with the acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for its Navy. Conventionally armed. I want to be exceedingly clear about this. We're not talking about
nuclear-armed submarines."
