52 National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 5.33 We work together to support peace and stability in Europe’s neighbourhood, the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. We will work with the US to deliver more for global stability and our shared interests: •• We will extend our cooperation on global issues, especially countering violent extremism and terrorism, corruption, climate change, and promoting the rule of law and free trade, including through conclusion of the transformational Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. •• We will enhance our cooperation on development in fragile states and regions, building on the new joint DFID-USAID programmes to support education in countries affected by conflict. France 5.34 The UK and France are the two European nations with the full range of military capabilities and the political will to protect our interests globally. We have built an exceptionally close defence and security relationship with France through the Lancaster House Treaty of 2010. We work together to help build the rule of law, security and stability in the Middle East and Africa, to counter terrorism, extremism and organised crime, on aviation security, and on disaster relief and evacuation operations in areas of mutual interest. 5.35 We will further strengthen the UK-France defence and security relationship. Our Combined Joint Expeditionary Force, which will be operational in 2016, will provide a potent combined reaction force of up to 10,000 personnel available to plan for and respond to crises, including beyond Europe. We are working with the French Navy to ensure that we exploit the shared opportunities when the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers come into service. The Army’s high readiness 16 Air Assault Brigade is developing strong links with its French counterparts. Our air forces work closely together on operations in the Middle East and North Africa. We are also working together on how our militaries can further contribute to domestic security in our respective countries. 5.36 We are also expanding our equipment collaboration, including through the development of a joint future Unmanned Combat Air System programme and Maritime Mine Counter Measure demonstrator, procurement and development of missiles, and maximising common supply chain efficiencies. We will continue developing our joint nuclear facilities in France and the UK. Germany 5.37 Germany is an essential partner, given its economic power and growing influence on international security. It plays a major role in Afghanistan, has helped lead the European response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and has missions delivering security in the Middle East, Balkans, and Africa. We strongly support Germany’s bid to become a permanent member of an expanded United Nations Security Council. 5.38 We will work to intensify our security and defence relationship with Germany. We will deepen our intelligence sharing and collaboration on tackling terrorist threats, and work more closely on energy security, military support to humanitarian and development work, cyber and capacity building in countries outside Europe. We will also work more closely together to strengthen NATO, including the capabilities of its European members. We will strengthen our cooperation on operations, missions and training as well as enhance interoperability, such as between our navies and armies. We will work to deepen our cooperation on equipment, enhancing capabilities and reducing the support costs of