Tag: Anthony Albanese

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AUKUS: Australia’s Ex-PM Accuses Albanese-Govt Of Bending To US Will

Paul Keating said in a TV programme that AUKUS is about the military control of Australia in American terms

Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating accused the Albanese government of bending to the will of the United States over AUKUS, local media reported.

Keating said in a TV programme that AUKUS is about the military control of Australia in American terms, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on Saturday.

AUKUS is trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“The Albanese government and their policy is likely to turn Australia into the 51st state of the United States,” he said.

Keating said that Australia has got a continent of its own and a border with nobody, and the country was not likely to be threatened, Xinhua news agency reported quoting ABC.

“The only threat likely to come for us is because we have an aggressive ally, because of AUKUS,” Keating said.

Paul Keating

He said that if Australia did not have an aggressive ally, like the United States, there would be nobody attacking Australia. Keating also explained that the United States is “aggressive” because it is trying to “superintend” China, and China has no strategic designs for Australia.

ABC also quoted Keating in its news report as saying that the strength and scale of the US basing in Australia will eclipse Australia’s own military capability such that Australia will be viewed in the United States as a continental extension of American power akin to that which it enjoys in Hawaii, Alaska and more limitedly in places like Guam.

“Such an outcome is likely to turn the Australian government, in defence and security terms, into simply the national administrator of what would be broadly viewed in Asia as a US protectorate,” he said.

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Australia, China agree to ‘manage differences’

The visit by Li Qiang marks the first visit to Australia by a Chinese premier in seven years and demonstrates a further thawing of the once-frosty ties between the two nations

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Canberra on Monday. Terming his talks with Albanese as “candid, in-depth and fruitful,” Li said they also exchanged views on some differences and disagreements between the two countries and agreed to manage them properly.

The visit by Li marks the first visit to Australia by a Chinese premier in seven years and demonstrates a further thawing of the once-frosty ties between the two nations, ABC News reported.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Li Qiang said that the two sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and strengthen exchanges between the legislatures, government departments and political parties between the two countries.

Li Qiang said, “Just now, Prime Minister Albanese and I had a candid, in depth and fruitful meeting and reached a lot of consensus. We both agreed to uphold the right characterisation of our bilateral relationship and consolidate its momentum of improvement and development. We reaffirmed our commitment to defining this relationship as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to mutual respect and trust and to viewing and handling this relationship in a positive attitude.”

“The two sides agreed to maintain high-level interactions, strengthen exchanges between the legislatures, government departments and political parties and fully resume various areas of institutional dialogue and bring their role into full play. We also had a candid exchange of views of some differences and disagreements and agreed to properly manage them in a manner befitting our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he said

The Chinese Premier said that Australia and China signed several cooperation documents on trade, education, climate change, culture and intellectual property. Li said China and Australia will make good use of such dialogue mechanisms like Strategy Economic Dialogue, the joint Ministerial Economic Commission and the Free Trade Agreement Committee to address each other’s economic and trade concerns and provide a fair, open and non-discriminatory business environment for companies.

Australian PM Albanese termed the talks as “constructive” and stressed that the two nations cannot address differences without talks.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Albanese said, “We had a constructive discussion today at our Annual Leaders’ Meeting, building on our Annual Meeting last year in Beijing. My government has put dialogue at the centre of Australia’s relationship with China because it is always most effective when we deal directly with each other.”

“That’s how we make progress on our shared interests and protect regional stability. Without dialogue, we can’t address any of the differences that arise between us. Australia and China have renewed and revitalised our engagement. We’ve agreed across a range of MoUs and arrangements today that will continue to shape and drive our practical cooperation as we continue the process of stabilising the relationship,” he added.

Albanese also extended a welcome to the Chinese Premier in Canberra. In a post on X, Albanese stated, “Welcome to Canberra, Premier Li Qiang.”

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday arrived in Australia for an official visit, Xinhua reported. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong received him at the airport. He arrived in Australia after his official visit to New Zealand as part of his three-nation visit. (ANI)

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-Top News Australia Politics

Albanese Condemns Neo-Nazi Activity Following Sydney Incident

On Friday, NSW Police arrested six of nearly 61 heavily disguised individuals, issuing 55 Rail Infringement Notices for offensive behaviour. Two released men received infringement notices. ABC reported all-black attire and a neo-Nazi banner.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the activity of a group of heavily disguised people who had boarded a train in Sydney, saying that he doesn’t want to see people in balaclavas dressed in black from head to toe, who are engaged in neo-Nazi activity in this country.

“It has no place and it is rightly being condemned by all decent people,” he said on Saturday in Orange, Australian state of New South Wales (NSW).

The NSW Police Force announced on Friday that six among the group of nearly 61 heavily disguised people were arrested and taken to the police station following a police operation, and a further 55 men were issued Rail Infringement Notices for offensive behaviour, Xinhua news agency reported.

Two men had since been released and issued infringement notices for offensive behaviour, the police added.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that these people were wearing all black, including balaclavas, and they produced a banner referencing a neo-Nazi group.

Albanese said he was shocked by the number of people.

“We have seen a rise in neo-Nazi activity on extreme right-wing activity,” he added.

Held every year on January 26, Australia Day marks the anniversary of the 1788 landing of the British First Fleet in the country.

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Australian PM Anthony Albanese set to attend G20 Leaders’ Summit in India

Tokyo, Sep 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the State Funeral Ceremony of the former Japan Prime Minister Late Shinzo Abe, in Tokyo on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

Albanese will be among leaders of G-20 nations who are scheduled to attend the G-20 summit under India’s presidency in New Delhi this September….reports Asian Lite News

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his participation in the upcoming G20 summit to be held in New Delhi next month

Albanese will be among leaders of G-20 nations who are scheduled to attend the G-20 summit under India’s presidency in New Delhi this September.

The G20 is the world’s preeminent forum for global economic cooperation. Leaders will focus on navigating the global economy back to strong, sustainable and resilient growth, according to a statement by the Australian PM’s office.

“Deepening Australia’s engagement with Southeast Asia is a key priority for my Government. Our futures are intertwined – so it’s essential that we work together to achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous region,” a press statement from the Australian Prime Minister’s office said quoting Albanese.

“It is more important than ever that Australia works closely with international partners, including through multilateral economic forums like the G20, to address shared challenges and opportunities,” Albanese said.

“Australia is invested in and committed to the Indo-Pacific to enhance growth and prosperity, stability and respect for sovereignty and lasting peace,” he said.

Albanese said that Australia is proud to be hosting a Special Summit to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations in 2024.

“I look forward to welcoming ASEAN leaders to Australia in March next year,” he said.

Albanese will travel to Indonesia, the Philippines and India in September to meet with regional leaders to discuss global challenges and advance Australia’s economic, security and climate agenda.

The Australian Prime Minister will attend the 3rd Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta from September 6–7. Australia’s close partnership with ASEAN and its members is critical to achieving mutual prosperity, security and peace in the region.

As part of the Australian Government’s upgrade of relationships with countries of Southeast Asia, Albanese will travel to Manila, the first Australian Prime Minister to undertake a bilateral visit to the Philippines since the year 2003.

The Prime Minister’s meeting on September 8 with Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr will focus on strengthening cooperation on defence and maritime security, development and education.

“Our partnership with the Philippines is built on close defence and security cooperation, increasing economic relations and warm personal ties, including through the vibrant Filipino-Australian community. I look forward to visiting Manila to meet with President Marcos and affirm our partnership,” Albanese said.

India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022. (ANI)

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-Top News Australia

Australian PM to begin India tour from Wednesday

The PM will be accompanied by Minister for Trade and Tourism, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, along with senior officials and a high-level business delegation…reports Asian Lite News

In what would prove to be significant for the ongoing relations between New Delhi and Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has decided to visit India on a four-day visit beginning on March 8, along with his cabinet ministers, senior officials, and a high-level business delegation.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Australian Prime Minister is arriving in India on his maiden visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi; he will land in Ahmedabad on the day of Holi.

The Australian Prime Minister will be accompanied by Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, along with senior officials and a high-level business delegation.

This will be Prime Minister Albanese’s first visit to India in his current role. Prime Minister Albanese will arrive in Ahmedabad on March 8 on the day of Holi. He will also visit Mumbai on March 9, before arriving in New Delhi later in the day.

In New Delhi, Prime Minister Albanese will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on March 10, the Ministry said.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Albanese will hold the Annual Summit to discuss areas of cooperation under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, besides regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Albanese will also call on President Droupadi Murmu.

India and Australia share warm and friendly relations based on common values and democratic principles.

The Strategic Partnership between the two countries was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2020 which has been strengthened and deepened through frequent high-level exchanges and enhanced cooperation across sectors.

In 2020, India and Australia signed the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement which allows militaries of both countries to use each other’s bases for replenishment and repair of supplies, besides facilitating scaling up of overall defence cooperation.

Over the years, an array of institutional mechanism has been put in place to promote bilateral cooperation. Bilateral mechanisms include high level visits, Annual Meetings of Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue, 2+2 Defence and Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, Joint Trade & Commerce Ministerial Commission, Defence Policy Talks, Australia-India Education Council, Defence Services Staff Talks, Energy Dialogue, JWGs on different issues.

Navies of India, Australia, Japan and the USA also participated in Phase I of Exercise Malabar 2021 from August 26-29, 2021 off Guam and in Phase II in the Bay of Bengal from October 12-15, 2021. India participated as an Observer in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 in July 2021.

Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, Chief of Navy visited India in March 2022. Australia participated in Exercise Milan in March 2022 in Vizag. Lt General Rick Burr, Chief of Australian Army visited India in March 2022. General Angus J Campbell and Greg Moriarty, Secretary of the Department of Defence visited India in April 2022.

Air Marshal Mel Hupfield, Chief of Royal Australian Air force visited India in May 2022. Indian Ship INS Sumedha visited Fremantle port in Perth on August 15-17, 2022 to celebrate India@75.

Indian Air force participated in Exercise Pitch Black in Northern Territory from August 18-September 9, 2022. Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff visited Australia on 25-29 September 2022. INS Satpura participated at the multinational Exercise KAKADU in Darwin in September 2022.

A Maritime Partnership Exercise involving Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Anzac and Indian Navy Ships Jalashwa and Kavaratti along with their embarked helicopters was held in the Bay of Bengal from November 02 to 03, 2022 as part of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 (IPE 22).

The 2nd India-Australia JWG meeting on Research, Industry and Materiel Cooperation was held at Canberra on November 22, 2022.

India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2022 was held in Rajasthan from November 28 to December 11, 2022 between Indian Army and the Australian Army, first exercise in the series of AUSTRA HIND with participation of all arms and services contingent from both armies.

Prime Minister Albanese’s visit is expected to provide further momentum to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

India and Australia are members of the Quadrilateral group which just concluded its foreign minister-level meeting on the sidelines of G-20 foreign ministers’ meet in New Delhi.

India and Australia are also strong trade partners. India is 9th largest trading partner of Australia. During 2021, bilateral trade in goods and services with India was US$ 27.5 billion, with exports of goods and services worth US$ 10.5 billion and imports of goods and services worth US$ 17 billion; balance of trade is in favour of Australia by US$ 6.5 billion India’s merchandise exports to Australia grew 135% between 2019 and 2021.

India’s main exports to Australia are refined petroleum, medicaments (incl. veterinary), pearls & gems, jewellery, made-up textile articles, women’s clothing (excl knitted), other textile clothing, manufactures of base metal, while India’s major imports are coal, confidential items of trade, copper ores & concentrates, natural gas, non-ferrous waste & scrap, ferrous waste & scrap and education related services.

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-Top News Australia Politics

Australian PM Morrison concedes election defeat

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party, reports Asian Lite News

Australian Opposition leader Anthony Albanese is set to become the country’s prime minister as Scott Morrison admitted defeat in national elections on Saturday.

Speaking to his supporters, Morrisson said: “Tonight I have spoken to the leader of the opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and I have congratulated him on his election victory.”

Morrison also said he would stand down as leader of the Liberal party, Sky News reported.

“I’ve always believed in Australians and their judgment, and I’ve always been prepared to accept their verdict,” he was citied as saying by CNN.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday night projected Labor will form a government for the first time since 2013, with Anthony Albanese to become the country’s 31st Prime Minister.

The result marks an end to the coalition’s nearly-nine-year hold on power and Morrison’s tenure as Prime Minister. Morrison became prime minister in 2018. (ANI)

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