Latest news with #Australia-EUFreeTradeAgreement
9 News
6 days ago
- Politics
- 9 News
PM details phone call with Macron over Gaza humanitarian crisis
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and French President Emmanuel Macron have spoken about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Following a 100,000-strong pro-Palestine protest calling for an immediate ceasefire across Sydney Harbour Bridge on the weekend, the PM has confirmed he spoke with Macron overnight to affirm their "ongoing commitment" to getting aid to civilians in Gaza. The two leaders also reinforced their shared support for a two-state solution during the call, according to an official read-out of the call. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and French President Emmanuel Macron pictured in 2022. (Getty) Albanese and Macron then spoke about action on climate, France's support for Australia's joint bid to host COP31 and agreed on the importance of finalising the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement. Yesterday's phone call ended with an agreement to "stay in touch" and to meet again in September at the United Nations General Assembly. In a post on X , Macron said he spoke "successively" with Albanese and New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Luxon. "Australia, New Zealand, and France share the same commitment to the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, the large-scale and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and the implementation of a political solution based on two states, living side by side in peace and security," Macron said. "We are working together towards these goals ahead of the upcoming Conference on the Two-State Solution to be held in New York during the UN General Assembly." The PM also had a rare phone call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas earlier this week, promising to meet with him on the sidelines of the crucial global leaders meeting next month. Macron and Albanese's phone call comes after the French president announced last month he would recognise Palestine's statehood. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pictured during Question Time. (Alex Ellinghausen) The president said he would formalise this decision at the UN General Assembly next month. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also announced he would officially recognise Palestine as a state at the same time. Australia, Canada, the UK, France and other countries have previously come together to call for an immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian aid in Gaza. federal politics Gaza Emmanuel Macron Anthony Albanese Palestine national World CONTACT US
West Australian
6 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Australian news and politics live: Albanese and Macron phone call on Gaza crisis, EU trade progress, climate
Scroll down for the latest news updates. More than 50,000 state school teachers across Queensland will strike on Wednesday over serious issues in state schools that the union says has led to a chronic teacher shortage and pay dispute. It will be the first time in 16 years Queensland Teachers Union members stop work in response to claims the Crisafulli government has failed to acknowledge the 'urgency of serious issues' affecting schools across the state. The government says schools will remain open and students would be supervised. QTU president Cresta Richardson said chronic teacher shortages had led to increased workloads and other serious issues, such as violence in schools, that required statewide attention. Read the full story. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has held a significant phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron overnight, underscoring the strong bilateral relationship between Australia and France amid pressing global challenges. 'The leaders spoke about the crisis in Gaza and their ongoing commitment to getting aid to civilians. Both leaders discussed their longstanding support for a two state solution,' a statement from the Prime Minister's office said. 'Further, the leaders discussed action on climate and France's support for Australia's joint bid to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific. 'The leaders agreed on the importance of finalising the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement. 'The leaders agreed to stay in close touch and meet again at the United Nations General Assembly in September.'
Epoch Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Europe Seeks Closer Security Ties with Australia, Says Von Der Leyen
The European Union has opened the door to a potential security partnership with Australia, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with global leaders in Rome during the inauguration mass of the newly appointed Pope Leo. In a bilateral discussion held in the Italian capital, European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen described Australia as a reliable ally and emphasised the importance of strengthening ties in a volatile world. 'We are predictable, we share the same values,' Von Der Leyen said in her opening remarks at the meeting. 'So we can offer to each other stability and we're very grateful for that. This is why we view Australia not just as a trading partner but a strategic one. We would very much like to broaden this strategic partnership.' Albanese later told reporters that he did not want to over analyse the statement and what it meant for a potential defence arrangement with the bloc. 'Future conversations may take place either through NATO or directly between Australia and the EU.' Related Stories 5/18/2025 5/15/2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media in Canberra, Australia on May 9, further added that Australia already maintains several defence arrangements with European nations, including Germany. 'We have participated previously in the IP4 along with Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand during NATO events. We're open to further engagement and support, although these are still early days,' he said. The prime minister also raised the importance of open and equitable trade, referencing Australia's trade minister, Senator Don Farrell, and ongoing efforts to finalise the long-awaited Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement. 'We understand there were challenges in the past, particularly around agriculture, and we are hopeful these issues can be resolved.' Negotiations on the trade pact have continued for some time, with a deal yet to be struck. The European Union, a high-income market of nearly 446 million people with a GDP of US$18.6 trillion in 2023, ranks as Australia's third-largest trading partner and third-biggest source of foreign investment. If finalised, the trade agreement would grant Australian exporters access to a market of over 400 million consumers. Meeting With The Pope Albanese described the experience of attending the mass for Pope Leo 'as deeply meaningful.' 'It was a very moving ceremony where the Pope again laid out his vision for his papacy, an important moment not just for Australia's five million Catholics but for Catholics worldwide,' he said. He called it a personal honour to represent Australia at such a high-profile religious occasion. Pope Leo XIV delivers the Regina Caeli prayer after a Holy Mass for the Beginning of his Pontificate, in St Peter's square, in Vatican City, on May 18, 2025. Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images Albanese reflected on how the occasion held personal significance. 'I spoke to him about my mother. I'm sure she's looking down from heaven with the biggest smile. For her son to attend the inaugural mass of a Pope at the Vatican is something quite special.' Ongoing Support for Ukraine During a separate meeting on the sidelines, Albanese reiterated Australia's ongoing support for Ukraine in the war with Russia. He spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about Australia's contributions and potential future involvement. Australia has committed approximately $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine. Albanese reaffirmed his government's willingness to consider sending troops as part of an international coalition if a peace initiative gains traction. Zelenskyy urged further pressure on Moscow following stalled negotiations in Türkiye, highlighting the strategic role Australia can play. 'Together we can push this situation closer to peace by applying pressure on Russia,' he said. 'We are grateful for the sanctions but believe more can be done.' Australia has imposed sanctions on roughly 1,400 Russian individuals and entities. The Ukrainian president, however, asked for more. Albanese signalled a willingness to consider more measures. 'We'll keep evaluating what else we can do to intensify pressure on Russia.' The two leaders also discussed the case of Australian Oscar Jenkins, who was sentenced to 13 years in a Russian high-security prison after being captured while fighting for Ukraine in December. 'We are actively seeking his release and appreciate Ukraine's assistance,' Albanese said, suggesting a future prisoner exchange could be explored. Diplomatic Outreach Continues In addition to high-level talks, Albanese also spoke briefly with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney before the mass, and held informal discussions with Germany's Chancellor Merz and UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. 'We were there early and took the opportunity to connect with leaders I hadn't met before,' he said. 'I'll be catching up again informally with Angela Rayner later today.' When asked about a possible meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who also attended the mass, Prime Minister Albanese said he is the leader of Australia and deals directly with the U.S. president, adding he will meet him when the time comes.
