cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/11364162
Australia is aligned with Canada’s efforts to seek closer ties with the EU as Ottawa faces an escalating trade dispute with the US.
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“We are on the same page," Australian trade minister Don Farrell told the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday. “We will take great interest in what Carney does.”
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Australia has sought to diversify its trade after facing US tariffs on exports, despite its long-standing security pact and free trade deal with Washington.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade did not respond to a comment request.
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Mr Farrell said he was open to all options in future arrangements with the EU, excluding fibre-optic cables given the distances.
“The world is dividing into protectionists and free traders,” he said. “It’s indisputable that Australian prosperity of the last 50 years has all been about our engagement with the world.”
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Australia and the EU signed a free trade agreement in March after eight years of talks, removing tariffs on almost all goods and potentially easing EU access to Australian critical minerals.
Usually, the Australian Prime Minister and the US President meet several times a year - between G20, APEC, or just regular visits.
This term, Albo has been to the White House once. That’s the only time they’ve met.
Likewise, Senator Wong (aside from the inauguration/meet & greet) has been to the USA once. Again, that’s well-below usual levels between our two nations.
Relations remain cordial, but by any objective measure, they are nowhere near as close as usual.