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Foreword

Australian and
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Foreword
Strengthening Security
in Asia and the Pacific
by Admiral William J. Fallon
Commander, U.S. Pacific Command

I’d like to welcome you to the Fall-Winter 2005 Asia-Pacific Defense FORUM. This issue focuses on some of the many opportunities for us to work together and improve regional security and stability, including participation in conferences, seminars, and exercises. In fact, bilateral and multilateral exercises are key not only to building military transparency and trust; but also to facilitating common approaches to complex challenges – and ultimately – common ground in our relationships. Nothing is more important for regional friends, allies, and partners.

Many of our exercises include medical or engineering projects, which improve the well-being of people by connecting them … through the construction of new roads between villages, for example. Or by sustaining life … by digging wells to provide fresh drinking water, or providing medical care to remote locations. Working together with host-nation personnel on these projects brings both help and hope to communities and accomplishes two important goals. First, we strengthen the fabric of society and in doing so – bolster stability. Second, we help build and improve relationships that foster understanding, cooperation, and friendship. Projects such as the new bridge linking two provinces in Cambodia, or the wheelchair accessible school in Vietnam, are important efforts and just a couple of many combined undertakings.

While these exercises and projects provide great service to the people of our region, I see an additional benefit – increased interoperability. Many of the challenges we face are daunting. Few nations have the capacity to solve such issues alone. But nations working together, pooling their capabilities and unique skills can find appropriate solutions. Exercising together provides an answer.

There is certainly much more we can do, and I would appreciate hearing your ideas. Please email my staff at apdforum@apan-info.net with your suggestions and recommendations. I look forward to hearing from you.

As always, thanks for the many things you do to make our region a better place
to live.