News

The Australian Government will commence negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a trade agreement (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), in the new year.

The Fifth RCEP Joint Committee (RJC) was held in Manila, the Philippines on 29-30 November, co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia.

The Australian Government shares the grave concerns of the Philippines Government about a pattern of dangerous actions conducted by Chinese vessels against Philippines vessels and crew in the South China Sea.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs announces the new appointments of Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consuls-General, who will advance Australia's interests abroad.

Data from China’s customs agency (GACC) shows that China has imported 314 thousand tonnes of barley from Australia, valued at AU$139 million, since duties were removed in August.

The Australian Government joins the United Kingdom and other international partners in expressing serious concerns about attempts to use cyber operations to interfere with democratic processes.

Prime Minister of Australia, and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, signed the Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of Papua New Guinea on a Framework for Closer Security Relations.

The Australian Government has appointed Professor Wesley Enoch AM and Ms Leonie Boxtel to the board of the Australia-Japan Foundation. Both appointments will contribute to the goals of the Foundation and bring their diverse experience to support our bilateral relationship with Japan.

The Australian Government has appointed Dr Pippa Dickson and Dr Peter K. Lee to the board of the Australia-Korea Foundation. They both bring diverse experience and unique perspectives to support the objectives of the foundation and enrich Australia's relationship with the Republic of Korea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade hosted a virtual information session on the GGCIP on 21 November 2023.