News, speeches and media

The unimaginable hardship and horror the Syrian people have endured as a result of chemical weapons is front of mind for us today. We, the States Parties of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), need to ensure such devastation does not occur again.

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia and the Hon James Marape MP, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, have announced the entry into force of the Agreement Between the Government of Australia and The Government of Papua New Guinea on a Framework for Closer Security Relations.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of Nauru, His Excellency David Waiau Ranibok Adeang MP, today signed the Nauru-Australia Treaty in Canberra. The Treaty builds on the deep foundations of Australia and Nauru’s bilateral relationship, and will help secure Nauru’s long-term economic resilience and security.

Australia and New Zealand are deeply concerned about the rise in Russian and DPRK 'shadow fleet activity' and its risks to the environment, maritime safety, international trade and security, and maritime law. Collective action is needed to address this risk.

The Australian Government has launched a new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy to drive meaningful improvements for people with disability through Australia’s international engagement, including international development and humanitarian programs.

Australia will commit $56.8 million to a new program to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights in Southeast Asia, including working towards eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.

The 2023-24 Consular State of Play data has been published, showing the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided consular assistance and crisis support to more than 15,000 cases over 12 months.

On 12 November, the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade launched the report ;Trading Nation: How Trade and Investment Contribute to Australian Prosperity'.

Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have finalised the elevation of our trade relationship with the signing of our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Minister for Trade Senator the Hon Don Farrell joined the Minister for Foreign Trade, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Canberra to formalise the agreement.