It complements the central role of bilateral links in dealing with global and regional security issues , and has an important role in encouraging regional support for international regimes against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their missile delivery systems. Australia has been very much part of the process of seeking to engage the DPRK more constructively with the regional and international community. Australia announced the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with the DPRK in May 2000. Australia is working in the ARF to develop norms of regional behaviour aimed at avoiding conflict and settling disputes. Australia is encouraging the ARF to take a more central role in discussing and managing issues that threaten stability or confidence, and is taking an active role in expanding the ARF's confidence-building agenda and moves to develop its capacity for preventive diplomacy.
Global issues can also have significant security implications for Australia.
The risk of global conflict diminished considerably with the end of the Cold War, but other potential threats remain. Developments in Europe, the Middle East and South Asia have the potential to disrupt global security. Serious instability in other parts of Asia, such as continuing tensions between India and Pakistan, could have implications for the security of the Asia Pacific. Australia has made a major contribution to the significant progress in establishing international regimes to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and of missiles. Australia's future efforts will be concentrated on ensuring that these regimes are implemented and remain effective and, where necessary, are strengthened.