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Statement by H.E. Ms Megan Anderson, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Australia to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

Today I am pleased to announce the appointment of seven highly qualified individuals to lead Australia's posts in Iraq, Kenya, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Los Angeles, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Niue and the United Arab Emirates.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong announces the appointment of Dr Lucas de Toca PSM as Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health and Ms Greer Alblas as Australia's Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Australia to UNESCO.

Australia deplores the Russian Federation’s decision to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. It is an affront to all who want a world without nuclear weapons.

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell will travel to Shanghai to attend the sixth China International Import Expo, one of the world’s largest trade shows, at the invitation of the Chinese Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao.

The Fourth RCEP Joint Committee (RJC) was held in Surabaya, Indonesia on 18-19 July 2023, co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia. Mr Ravi Kewalram, First Assistant Secretary, FTA and Stakeholder Engagement Division, co-chaired the meeting for Australia. Australia’s delegation was led by Mr Peter Nagy, acting Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Economic Cooperation Branch, FTA and Stakeholder Engagement Division.

The Third RCEP Joint Committee (RJC) was held in Bandung, Indonesia on 21-22 February 2023, co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia. Mr Ravi Kewalram, First Assistant Secretary, FTA and Stakeholder Engagement Division, was Australian Co-Chair of the Meeting. Australia’s delegation was led by Ms Juliana Nam, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Economic Cooperation Branch, FTA and Stakeholder Engagement Division.

The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts, represented Australia at the Second Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) Ministers’ Meeting held in Semarang, Indonesia on 21 August in the sidelines of the 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting.

The Australian Government will provide an initial $800,000 to support the Government of Vanuatu’s immediate response to Tropical Cyclone Lola, and is liaising closely with the Government of Solomon Islands on its needs following the cyclone.

The Australian Government will provide $500,000 to the United Nation’s refugee agency, UNHCR alleviate the suffering of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians who fled the region following Azerbaijan’s recent military escalation.