Media release
8 October 2009
Visit to Sweden
Today I represented Australia at the Ministerial-level consultations with the European Union. The consultations were hosted by Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Carl Bildt, representing the EU Presidency, and European External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
Australia’s relations with the European Union (EU) – one of Australia’s most important trade, investment and political partners – have strengthened significantly over the past two years.
The Australia-EU Partnership Framework, which I launched in Paris last year with French Foreign Minister Kouchner, has revitalised EU-Australia ties.
The first year of the Partnership Framework has delivered important outcomes, including the European Commission’s foundation membership of the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Initiative, the signature of the Australia-EC Wine Agreement, and the launch of negotiations for a new comprehensive agreement on air transport between Australia and the EU.
Today, Australia and the EU reviewed progress under the Partnership Framework and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in a range of areas, including through improved aid coordination, development of clean energy technology and increased cooperation in science and research.
We also discussed global challenges in which we have shared interests, including climate change, the work of the G20 in responding to the global economic crisis, Iran, the DPRK, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Pacific.
On my first official visit to Sweden, I also held bilateral discussions with senior members of the Swedish Government.
Last night, I held bilateral discussions with Foreign Minister Bildt.
This is the first visit to Sweden by a Minister of the Rudd Government and the first visit by an Australian Foreign Minister since 2001.
Australia and Sweden enjoy warm bilateral relations, which are enhanced by our shared commitment to multilateralism and support for the UN’s efforts to promote international security and prosperity.
Today I met the Swedish Minister for Enterprise and Energy and Deputy Prime Minister Olofsson, and was pleased to sign the MOU formalising Sweden’s Foundation Membership of the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute. The Institute is a major Australian initiative to address climate change and accelerate carbon capture and storage across the world by the end of the next decade.
I met Defence Minister Tolgfors and discussed Australia and Sweden’s role as non-NATO contributors to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
I also met with International Development Cooperation Minister Carlsson. We discussed the importance of enhanced donor coordination in the Pacific and Africa.
I also announced a contribution of A$500,000 per annum for three years to the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance to strengthen political governance in developing countries, including in the Asia Pacific region.
Media inquiries:
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555