Elaf from London: Today, Wednesday, the British foreign and defense ministers will host their Australian counterparts for talks in London and Portsmouth on cooperation on climate, security and trade.
The annual UK-Australian Ministerial Meeting, AUKMIN, addresses security initiatives and joint exercises between the UK and Australia at Salisbury Plain.
British sources said that the Salisbury Plain fields and the historic shipyards in Portsmouth will be the backdrop for the important talks between British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace and Foreign Minister James Cleverly and their Australian counterparts, Defense Minister Richard Marlis and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, as both countries discuss how to intensify efforts to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. .
Visit Salisbury Plain
After bilateral talks with their counterparts on Wednesday, the group will visit Salisbury Plain to see Australian and UK forces training Ukrainian soldiers.
The joint training program also includes forces from Canada, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, Lithuania and the Netherlands, and is part of accelerating efforts by the United Kingdom and its allies to ensure that Ukraine wins the war and secures peace.
Portsmouth encounter
On Thursday, the British Australian group will gather for meetings at the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to discuss long-term cooperation between the two countries to promote prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region as well as broader cooperation on climate, security and trade.
The UK’s work with Australia to promote open societies and economic security in the region is critical to boosting trade with the Indo-Pacific region and achieving the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, creating better paying jobs and opportunities across the country. The Indo-Pacific region is set to account for half of global growth by 2050.
Statement by Cleverly and Wallace
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: The UK and Australia are the best of buddies, and for more than a century we have been staunch champions of freedom and democracy.
And in an increasingly volatile world, we are pursuing a forward-looking agenda with Australia as a trusted partner and friend. Together, we advance prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific, boost trade, and pursue our vital climate goals.
For his part, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Australia is our close and valuable defense partner, with historical relations spanning decades.
He said: The Australian Armed Forces provide vital training to brave Ukrainian men and women here in the UK, as they learn the skills they will need to return and defend their country.
He added: We are also progressing in our cooperation on the AUKUS program, and to enhance security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.
Temperatures
In connection with this, the joint British-Australian meeting will consider how the two countries can intensify their commitments to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees, including by moving to renewable energy, and promoting low-emission technologies as part of the joint clean technology partnership in which the two countries signed. 2021, in addition to supporting Pacific island nations that are on the front line of the climate emergency.
Ocos agreement
More broadly, ministers will assess progress on AUKUS, a defense and security agreement between the UK, US and Australia that will provide a nuclear powered submarine capability to Australia.
They will also continue discussions on UK accession to the Comprehensive and Advanced Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a £9 trillion free trade bloc, and progress towards UK ratification of the bilateral free trade agreement with Australia, which is expected to come into force. Force this spring.
The symbolism of the place
In addition, the symbolic venue for the talks in the historic maritime city reflects the two countries’ shared seafaring heritage. The summit also underscores the UK’s continued commitment to Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, and comes after a busy 18 months of UK engagement in the region, including the visit of the Carrier Strike Rapid Response Group, the AUKUS Agreement, and the meeting of prime ministers at the recent G20 summit. In Bali, and Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan’s visit to Australia at the end of last year.
Source: Elaph
