Media release
29 October 2008
Australia-European Union Partnership Framework Launched
I met with my French counterpart, Mr Bernard Kouchner, today in Paris and launched the attached Australia-European Union (EU) Partnership Framework in Paris. The launch was the centrepiece of the regular Australia-EU Presidency Consultations. France currently holds the EU’s rotating Presidency.
The Australia-EU Partnership Framework is a major initiative under the third pillar of the Government’s foreign policy which commits Australia to working with like-minded countries, using creative middle-power diplomacy, to strengthen international institutions and address global challenges.
The Partnership Framework is the prime vehicle for taking forward the new era of creative, broad-based bilateral engagement announced in the 2 April Joint Statement issued by Prime Minister Rudd and European Commission President Barroso.
The Partnership Framework is the third major outcome of the Joint Statement this year following the Australia-EU Passenger Name Record Agreement on cooperation in border security and the EU’s agreement to the negotiation of a Comprehensive Air Services Agreement with Australia.
The Partnership Framework commits Australia and the EU to support the role of multilateral institutions, in particular the UN, including in counter-terrorism and non-proliferation.
The importance of trade issues in the relationship is emphasised because of a shared commitment to concluding the Doha Round and in recognition that the EU, as a bloc, is Australia’s largest trade and investment partner.
Australia and the EU have agreed to work together in the Asia-Pacific region and, in particular, to improve donor coordination in the Pacific given the EU’s position as the world’s largest aid donor and the second largest donor in the Pacific after Australia.
Agreement to cooperate on climate change, energy and environmental issues reflects Australia’s new standing in this area, following our ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
The Partnership Framework recognises that the EU, which accounts for half of the world’s research and development expenditure, is Australia’s leading partner in innovation, science and research activity.
Australia looks forward to working closely with the EU to develop common approaches to addressing the broad range of important global and regional challenges identified in the Partnership Framework.
Media inquiries
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
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