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<p>The Secretary of State exchanges regularly with his Australian and US opposites
on a wide range of defence issues, including AUKUS. Australia asked for our help in
acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine. We are meeting the request of a close partner,
with whom we have a long history of co-operation, including on submarines. We will
use the 18-month scoping period to establish exactly what the best way is to meet
Australia's capability requirement. We will not pre-judge the outcome of the scoping
period. Throughout this process, strengthening the non-proliferation regime will be
our highest priority. We are undertaking every step in this process in a way that
reflects our longstanding leadership in global non-proliferation and steadfast support
for the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). We are pursuing rigorous verification standards,
in partnership and consultation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).</p>
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