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- The Minister for Foreign Affairs made a statement to Parliament on Burma.
- The Hon Stephen Smith and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan held a bilateral meeting in Canberra on 3 February 2010, during Sheikh Abdullah’s six-day visit to Australia.
- Australia and South Africa have welcomed the signing of a letter of intent that will frame future bilateral cooperation on climate change matters. See also media release.
- Foreign Minister's Statement on Afghanistan, 2 February
- Australia will provide $1 million in assistance to Mongolia following the adverse humanitarian situation caused by severe weather conditions.
- Australia's chargé d'affaires to the United Nations in Geneva delivered Australia's Statement on Haiti to the United Nations Human Rights Council on 28 January 2010.
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Trade Minister visits South Africa
Trade Minister Crean has announced Australia has committed $500,000 to assist four West African universities. Mr Crean delivered a speech on Australia-Africa relations at a conference in Cape Town, South Africa. His speech coincided with the 20th anniversary of the announcement of the release of Nelson Mandela from prison.
Ambassador to Israel
The Foreign Minister has announced Ms Andrea Faulkner as Australia's Ambassador to Israel. Ms Faulkner replaces Mr James Larsen who has been Ambassador since September 2006. She is expected to take up her appointment in March 2010.
Australia and Israel's longstanding and warm friendship is based on Australia’s historical support for Israel and our shared commitment to freedom, security and democracy.
Exports up 4 per cent in December but down overall in 2009
The value of Australian exports rose by 4 per cent to $19.8 billion in December 2009. However, exports were overall down for 2009, reflecting the impact of the Global Financial Crisis.
The Acting Minister for Trade, Tony Burke said the fall in export income during 2009 was equivalent to 2.2 per cent of GDP in the year to September 2009.
Australia's top ten exports of goods and services in 2009
Coal, iron ore, education, gold and travel services were Australia's top exports in 2009, according to preliminary data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released on 3 February.
China has overtaken Japan as Australia's largest export market for merchandise goods.
» List of Australia's top 10 exports, and the top ten goods exports markets (PDF)
Australian National Commission for UNESCO recognises the 150th Melbourne Cup
The Australian National Commission for UNESCO has acknowledged the 150th anniversary of the Melbourne Cup as an event of cultural significance to Australians.
The National Commission has a strong role in promoting specific anniversaries within the community, endorsing events of national and international relevance. Its recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the Melbourne Cup reflects the cultural significance of the race that stops a nation and captures the imagination of all generations of Australians.
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