Australia supporting democracy efforts in Middle East

Media Release

Canberra

24 February 2011

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd will depart today to visit South Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

In South Africa, Mr Rudd will participate in a meeting of the UN High Level Global Sustainability Panel.

Minister Rudd looks forward to working with Panel members to develop recommendations ahead of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 (‘Rio+20’).

Mr Rudd will then travel to Egypt where he will meet senior figures involved in Egypt’s transition. Mr Rudd’s visit takes place at a critical juncture of Egypt’s transition.

“Developments in the Middle East and the Gulf will have a direct impact on Australia’s economic and strategic interests,” Mr Rudd said.

“The Egyptian Government, through its Foreign Minister, has called for support from the international community.

“It is important that any assistance be carefully tailored to the needs and requests of Egyptians themselves.”

In Geneva, Mr Rudd will attend the High Level Segment of the UN Human Rights Council where he will provide an Australian perspective on the rapidly unfolding developments across the Arab world, including Australia’s deep concern over recent events in Libya.

“The international community has condemned the violence inflicted against protestors at the hands of the Gaddafi regime,” Mr Rudd said.

“This meeting comes at a critical time for the international community to take decisive action.”

While in the region Mr Rudd will also visit Tunisia to discuss its recent transition with new leaders of the unity government and underline Australian support for democratisation and economic stability in the region.

The Foreign Minister will visit Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Mr Rudd will underline Australia’s call for progress towards a two-state solution.

The Foreign Minister will then travel to Jeddah to meet the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference and to the United Arab Emirates for the inaugural Gulf Cooperation Council-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue.

“The Dialogue is an opportunity to foster closer ties with a region of vital economic and strategic importance to Australia,” Mr Rudd said.

“The UAE is a key partner for Australia in the Gulf and the host of the Australian Defence Force headquarters in the Middle East.”

Mr Rudd will conclude his visit to the region in Oman, where there is significant potential to expand the bilateral trade and investment relationship.

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