Today's Edition
Australia's foreign minister Penny Wong on Monday stated that Australia opposes the forcible displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in a statement discussing her upcoming Middle East tour.
Besides travelling to Jordan, Israel, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the minister will also visit the UAE, which she described as "an important partner that plays a key role in regional security".
The goal of the tour is to "support international diplomatic efforts towards a durable peace in the Middle East", as mentioned in the statement.
"I will use Australia's voice to advocate for a pathway out of the current conflict, an increase in vital humanitarian assistance, upholding of international law and greater protection for civilians, preventing regional escalation, and working toward a lasting peace," Wong said.
She expressed Australia's support for Palestinians' right to self-determination and commitment to meeting humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank.
"I will also emphasise Australia's opposition to the forcible displacement of Palestinians and our view that Gaza must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism", the minister added.
Discussing the upcoming visit to the UAE, she noted that the meetings will, among other things, be focused on preventing the conflict from spreading.
"The UAE is an important partner that plays a key role in regional security. My meetings with counterparts will be focused on preventing the conflict from spreading, and the conditions needed to support lasting peace and stability in the Middle East," Wong emphasised, noting that the visit will also "reaffirm" the close friendship between the UAE and Australia.
She added that the trip to the UAE will also welcome the commencement of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
