Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, will travel to Europe and the United Kingdom as part of the Albanese Government’s work to strengthen Australia’s relationships.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will visit Germany to meet with their counterparts to discuss regional resilience building, deepen defence strategic alignment, enhance economic prosperity, and a secure Indo-Pacific.
This will be the first joint meeting between Australia and Germany’s Defence and Foreign Ministers since 2021.
The Foreign Minister will then travel to Paris for meetings with her counterpart while the Deputy Prime Minister will attend meetings with his counterpart in Finland.
In the United Kingdom, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will join Defence Secretary John Healey, and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, for the 16th year of Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN).
These discussions will focus on how Australia and the United Kingdom are working together to shape our shared future, including for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles MP:
“While geographically distant, Australia and Europe’s interests are increasingly interconnected which is why we must focus our partnerships on reinforcing collective deterrence.
“In complex and uncertain times, the United Kingdom remains a critical partner for Australia and we continue to strengthen and modernise our partnership including through the AUKUS partnership.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:
“The Albanese Government is working harder than ever to strengthen and diversify Australia’s relationships.
“In the face of accelerating contest, a deteriorating strategic environment and global economic stress, we are bolstering Australia’s partnerships, resilience and security while promoting peace and prosperity.”
