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Official News - February 2008
► Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN)
The Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN), which were held in Canberra on 23 February, confirmed the fundamental and indispensable nature of our alliance relationship and its centrality to Australia’s security arrangements.
The AUSMIN consultations are the primary vehicle for the strategic management of our alliance relationship with the United States. It ensures that the alliance remains dynamic and capable of responding to contemporary challenges.
The meeting was hosted jointly by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, and the Australian Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte led the US delegation.
The meeting confirmed that the alliance is enduring; that it remains the bedrock of our defence security and strategic arrangements; and that it is indispensable to our national interest. The meeting also confirmed both countries’ long-term commitment to the alliance.
The two sides exchanged insights on regional and global strategic issues and security challenges, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Weapons of Mass Destruction proliferation and terrorism. They also discussed further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, which delivers important security dividends to Australia and contributes to regional stability, particularly in three key areas: humanitarian assistance/disaster relief; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and enhancing joint and combined training. They focused on practical cooperation that our two countries can undertake, including to promote stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region.
The two sides agreed that our cooperation on counter-terrorism and capacity-building on maritime security in the region should continue and deepen.
► Australia welcomes conduct of elections in Pakistan
The Australian Government welcomed the successful conduct of elections in Pakistan and looks forward to working with a new democratically-elected Government in Pakistan.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, welcomed the largely peaceful conduct of parliamentary elections in Pakistan on 18 February and the efforts of the parties to move quickly to establish a broad-based government.
The successful elections demonstrate the commitment of Pakistan’s people to democracy and represent a serious setback for extremism.
Australia has important strategic interests in Pakistan and a strong interest in Pakistan’s stability and democracy, developments in Pakistan are central to the global fight against terrorism and extremism. They also impact on progress and security in Afghanistan and on the security of Australian personnel deployed there.
The Australian Government is firmly committed to working with a new government, and our international partners, to help Pakistan to address the challenges it faces.
Australia will actively explore opportunities to strengthen support for Pakistan’s democracy and development.
Australia’s long-term commitment to international stabilisation efforts in Afghanistan
The Australian Government is committed to international stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.
The Australian Government has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to international stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. The security and development challenges facing Afghanistan are complex and intertwined, and the Australian Government supports efforts to strengthen military and non-military support to Afghanistan.
It is critically important that we ensure sustained and concerted international military support for counter-insurgency efforts in Afghanistan.
Australia is making a serious contribution to security and reconstruction in southern Afghanistan, in particular through the work of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Australia has around 1000 troops deployed under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in southern Afghanistan engaged in important reconstruction and security activities.
The Australian Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, announced on 19 February that the Government had decided that Australia would make a significant contribution to training the Afghan National Army (ANA) through the deployment of an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT). The commitment to deploy the OMLT would be met through an adjustment of the ADF force structure in Afghanistan.
On the non-military side, the Australian Government is developing measures to enhance non-military assistance with a view to developing the capacity of Afghan national institutions. The Australian Government is examining options to enhance our aid program and strengthen the Australian Federal Police presence in Afghanistan to train Afghan police officers and strengthen efforts to counter the illicit production of narcotics.
► Australia Recognises Kosovo Independence
The Australian Government has recognised the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, judging independence to be the best option for long-term peace and stability in south-eastern Europe.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, announced on 19 February that Australia has recognised the declaration of independence by the Republic of Kosovo. Kosovo’s declaration was preceded by a long and unsuccessful negotiation process between Serbia and Kosovo under the auspices of the United Nations.
The Australian Government closely considered the question of Kosovo’s status, and concluded that independence with international (EU) supervision is the best option for peace and stability in Kosovo and the surrounding region.
Kosovo meets the four criteria for a new state: it has a defined territory; has a permanent population; is likely to have an effective government; and will have the capacity to enter into relations with other states. While there is no international unanimity on recognition, the United States, the United Kingdom, other European countries, and a cross section of non-European countries have already supported Kosovo’s independence, with more to come.
Australia has strongly urged the leaders of both Kosovo and Serbia to demonstrate resolve and political determination in settling their differences peacefully, and has condemned the violent actions of rioters who last week burned part of the United States Embassy in Belgrade and attacked several other missions while calling on the new government in Kosovo to ensure the rights and safety of minorities, as well as to protect cultural and religious sites.
► Visit by Foreign Minister to the Solomon Islands
The visit to Solomon Islands by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, provided a further opportunity to underscore the fresh start in the bilateral relationship and to strengthen our partnership with the Solomon Islands Government and region on RAMSI.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, visited Solomon Islands on 21-22 February to attend the inaugural Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Standing Committee (FMSC) meeting on the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). He was accompanied by the Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Duncan Kerr, and the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan.
Mr Smith met separately the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua, and the Niue Premier, Young Vivian, who will assume the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and host the annual Leaders’ meeting in August 2008. Minister Smith’s visit closely followed the successful 22-23 January visit to Australia by Dr Sikua and Solomon Islands Foreign Minister William Haomae.
The Australian Government welcomes the new Solomon Islands Government’s willingness to work closely and cooperatively with Australia on bilateral issues and RAMSI.
The inaugural FMSC meeting was productive and positive and provided an opportunity to underscore Australia’s ongoing commitment to RAMSI and close cooperation with the Solomon Islands Government and regional partners.
The Committee underlined the importance of consultation between the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI to develop jointly agreed development strategies, and endorsed a proposal to jointly develop a Solomon Islands Government-RAMSI ‘Partnership Framework’.
The Framework will provide a mechanism for mutual responsibility in setting priorities to achieve the Solomon Islands Government’s broader policy objectives by developing mutually-agreed, conditions-based timelines with a view to reducing RAMSI’s engagement in critical areas of government.
►Shooting of President Ramos-Horta and the situation in East Timor
The Australian Government deplores the shocking incidents in East Timor on 11 February, in which President Ramos-Horta was shot and wounded, and Prime Minister Gusmao’s convoy was fired upon and home attacked. The Australian Prime Minister, the HON Kevin Rudd MP, said in his press conference on 11 February that the Australian Government would stand resolutely in support of East Timor at this difficult time.
Mr Rudd visited East Timor on 15 February to convey these and other messages in person to Prime Minister Gusmao and other senior figures. Mr Rudd also foreshadowed options for further Australian long-term support for stability and economic development in East Timor, including further assistance to East Timor’s military and police and economic cooperation in the areas of agriculture and youth employment. Mr Gusmao warmly welcomed Mr Rudd’s visit, and Australia’s steadfast support.
On the same day as the attacks, the Prime Minister announced that Australia would provide, at the request of the East Timorese Government, a substantial and immediate reinforcement of troops and police under the auspices of the International Stabilisation Force. The deployment of approximately 200 soldiers and 70 police was completed by 13 February.
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Mr Stephen Smith MP, met East Timor’s Foreign Minister, Zacarias Albano da Costa, on 18 February during the latter’s official visit to Australia (17-23 February) and discussed responses to the attacks and other bilateral issues.
President Ramos Horta is currently in the Royal Darwin Hospital’s National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre where he is being well cared for. His condition remains serious but stable.
► Cluster Munitions
Australia is a strong and active supporter of a ban on those cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians. In our support for this goal in international negotiations, we need to protect core national security interests.
The Government engages actively in the Oslo Process and the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention, which are the two international fora that work on cluster munitions. The Wellington meeting on 18-22 February 2008 on the Oslo Process is a key opportunity to make progress on banning cluster munitions that are unreliable and inaccurate, and cause unacceptable harm to civilians.
It is important for national security that an international instrument should ban only those cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians and not compromise national defence capabilities including interoperability with allies. Avoiding legal barriers to interoperability and coalition operations, while preserving the humanitarian aims of the instrument, is a concern shared by many like-minded countries (NATO members and Japan).
Australia provides significant mine action assistance to countries where explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions, pose a humanitarian hazard.
► Indonesian Foreign Minister’s Visit to Australia
During a visit to Australia by Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Australia and Indonesia agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the areas of security, counter-terrorism and HIV.
Australia and Indonesia exchanged notes to bring the Australia-Indonesia Framework for Security Cooperation (the Lombok Treaty) into force during a visit to Perth by Indonesia’s Foreign minister Dr Hassan Wirajuda on 7 February. Dr Wirajuda also met Prime Minister Rudd in Sydney on 8 February.
The Lombok Treaty signifies a shared commitment to enhance bilateral security cooperation. The Agreement provides a strong legal framework for cooperation to combat terrorism and transnational crime in the areas of defence, law enforcement, intelligence, maritime and aviation security, and in relation to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and emergency management and response.
In a practical demonstration of this commitment, Ministers agreed on two important security-related initiatives:
- To renew for a further three years the Memorandum of Understanding between Australia and Indonesia on Combating International Terrorism.
- To institute new counter-terrorism consultations at officials-level to underpin and enhance our ongoing bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation.
Another critical issue on which Australia and Indonesia are cooperating is to halt and then reverse the spread of HIV by 2015. During Dr Wirajuda’s visit, Australia’s Foreign Minister Stephen Smith announced that in 2008 Australia will commence a new program with Indonesia to give people with HIV, or at risk of contracting HIV, better access to essential treatment and prevention. Australia will spend $40 million on the HIV Cooperation Program for Indonesia. Specific assistance will be provided to Papua where the rate of HIV amongst adults risks becoming the highest in Asia.
The Program is part of a $100 million commitment over eight years to tackle HIV.
► Education is now Australia’s third largest export
Education is now Australia’s third largest export, surpassed only by coal and iron ore. Education exports have been growing at an average annual rate of 16 per cent per annum over the last 15 years.
Australian education exports were worth $11.7 billion in 2006-07, and are estimated to have reached $12.9 billion in the 2007 calendar year, representing a 20 per cent increase over 2006 levels.
In the year to November 2007, there were more than 450,000 enrolments by full-fee paying international students in Australia on a student visa. This represents an 18.8 per cent increase on the same period in 2006.
Australia is the third largest English-speaking destination for international students in higher education, behind the United States and the United Kingdom. China (23.6 per cent), India (13.9 per cent) and South Korea (7.6 per cent) are the largest sources of international student enrolments in Australia.
Around 40 per cent of international student enrolments are in the higher education sector (which accounts for 70 per cent of fees earned), with vocational education and English language courses also very significant.
The key factors influencing international students to study in Australia are the quality and reputation of Australian education providers and the safe and secure environment offered in Australia.
► Australian Government hands back stolen 15th century map to Spain
The Australian Government has handed back a rare 500-year old map to Spain, confirming in practice Australia’s continuing commitment to protecting significant cultural heritage items of other countries
At a ceremony at the National Library of Australia in Canberra on 4 February Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anthony Byrne, formally returned to His Excellency Mr Antonio Cosano, Ambassador of Spain, one of the world’s great treasures – a rare and beautiful 500 year-old map from Ptolemy’s Cosmographia.
Based on the work of ancient astronomer and geographer Claudius Ptolemy, and printed in Germany in 1482, the map shows how the world was viewed before the era of great explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama.
The map was one of 18 rare documents reported stolen from the National Library of Spain in August 2007. It was seized in Sydney in October 2007 after the Spanish Government asked the Australian Government to help with the map’s identification and repatriation.
Through the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 the Australian Government responds to official requests from foreign governments to return illegally-exported cultural heritage objects.
The return of the Ptolemy world map is an excellent example of how Australia is helping protect significant – and ultimately, irreplaceable – cultural heritage items of other countries.
This repatriation follows last month’s return of 750 kilograms of illegally-imported Chinese dinosaur, mammal and reptile fossils. Other objects returned recently include 130 kilograms of dinosaur and plant fossils returned to Argentina in August 2007; 16 Dyak skulls returned to Malaysia in May 2007; and an Asmat human skull returned to Indonesia in December 2006.
► Australia-China Strategic Dialogue
Australia and China held the inaugural ministerial Strategic Dialogue in Canberra on 5 February; it covered a range of regional and global strategic issues.
China’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Yang Jiechi, visited Canberra on 5 February to hold the inaugural bilateral Strategic Dialogue with Australia’s Foreign Minister Stephen Smith. Mr Yang also met with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd during his visit.
The Strategic Dialogue is a new and important pillar in Australia’s expanding bilateral ties with China. It reflects the significance of the relationship to both countries and was an excellent opportunity for ministers to discuss important regional and global issues and to enhance mutual understanding of each other’s long-term priorities.
The agenda for the inaugural Dialogue was broad and forward looking. Ministers discussed Australia and China’s respective strategic outlooks and priorities, particularly those related to the Asia-Pacific region. During the two hour meeting ministers examined the full range of global issues and emerging international challenges including climate change, disarmament and regional hotspots such as the DPRK, Afghanistan and Burma.
Ministers also discussed a range of bilateral priorities, and reviewed the program of bilateral dialogues, including those on political, security, economic, trade, human rights and consular issues.
Australia and China share a strong bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and significant shared interests in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia and China celebrated 35 years of bilateral relations in December 2007 and the Government is committed to further enhancing the relationship through such mechanisms as the Strategic Dialogue.
Australia and China also share a booming economic and trade relationship – worth $54.7 billion in two-way trade in 2006-7. On 4 February 2008 China became our largest merchandise trading partner.
The next meeting of the Strategic Dialogue will be held during a future visit to Beijing by Mr Smith.
►Foreign Minister’s visit to the United States
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith visited the United States (New York and Washington DC) from 24 to 30 January 2008 to take forward key elements of the Australian Government’s foreign policy – the alliance with the United States and membership of the United Nations.
The Foreign Minister visited New York from 24 to 27 January and Washington DC from 27 to 30 January 2008.
In New York, Mr Smith met key figures at the United Nations including Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, the Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs and the UN High Representative for Disarmament. In those meetings he explored ways to strengthen further Australia’s contribution to the work of the United Nations. He discussed the UN’s presence in East Timor and Afghanistan, its involvement in Burma, international security issues including North Korea and Iran, peacekeeping, and UN reform.
Mr Smith also attended several Australia-Week 2008: G’Day USA events during his visit to New York. G’Day USA showcases Australia as a sophisticated trade and investment partner, including the financial services sector.
During his visit to Washington, Mr Smith held a series of meetings with senior members of the US Administration including Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley. Mr Smith discussed a range of global and regional security challenges which Australia shares with the United States. The meetings provided an opportunity for early high-level engagement by the Government with the US Administration. The visit underscored Australia’s continued deep commitment to the alliance notwithstanding some differences in approach on particular issues.
►Australian position on Kenya crisis
The Australian Government is appalled and disturbed by the violence in Kenya since the emergence of the crisis. We welcome the process of dialogue between the Kenyan Government and opposition. It cannot be ‘business-as-usual’ between Kenyan leaders and the international community until a solution is reached.
Australia is appalled and disturbed by the violence in Kenya as a result of the political crisis.
On 30 January 2008, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith welcomed the national dialogue being facilitated by African mediators. It is up to both sides to make compromises necessary to end the violence. Mr Smith called on those inciting or engaging in violence to cease immediately.
In this current situation, Mr Smith noted that it cannot be ‘business-as-usual’ between Kenya’s leaders and the international community. Australia will limit contact with Kenyan ministers in Nairobi in any situation that may imply support. We will also be keeping under review our development assistance program provided to Kenya under our African regional program. In 2006-2007 this assistance was worth $7.2 million.
On 6 January 2008, Mr Smith announced that Australia would be providing
$1 million of humanitarian aid to the victims of post-election violence. Australia is continuing to monitor the need for further humanitarian assistance closely.
►Parliamentary Secretaries’ joint visit to Samoa, Tonga and Kiribati
The Parliamentary Secretaries for Pacific Island Affairs, Duncan Kerr and International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan visited Samoa, Tonga and Kiribati from 1 to 7 February. This was their first official overseas visit as Parliamentary Secretaries. The visit underlined the Government’s commitment to a fresh policy approach to the Pacific based on constructive and mutually respectful relations.
In Samoa, the Parliamentary Secretaries met Prime Minster Tuilaepa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Australian Pacific Tsunami Warning System and visited AusAID-funded projects that addressed climate change adaptation, education and income generation.
The Parliamentary Secretaries also opened the $6.3 million Samoa Police Headquarters, Apia Police Station and Armoury which had been funded through AusAID’s Samoa Police Project and the Defence Cooperation Program.
In Tonga, the Parliamentary Secretaries met Prime Minister Sevele and confirmed that Australia was committed to the trilateral Tonga Police Support Program, which is jointly funded with New Zealand. As the Prime Minister is the current Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, the opportunity was taken for useful discussions on RAMSI and Fiji. The Parliamentary Secretaries also visited a sophisticated and highly successful waste management project.
In Kiribati, the Parliamentary Secretaries met President Tong and reaffirmed Australia’s support for his government’s reform agenda through the bilateral aid program and for fisheries surveillance through the Defence Cooperation Program’s Pacific Patrol Boat Program. They also met a number of ministers and visited AusAID-funded projects addressing sanitation, livestock farming and employment for the disabled.
The Parliamentary Secretaries also visited the Kiribati Police Headquarters and inspected the AusAID constructed women’s barracks funded under the Pacific Regional Policing Initiative.
►Australia urges successful conclusion of the Doha Round
The Australian Government is working hard to support an ambitious conclusion of the WTO Doha Round in 2008.
An ambitious outcome to the WTO Doha Round – one that delivers worthwhile outcomes on agriculture, non-agricultural market access (NAMA – industrial products and resources) and services – is Australia’s key trade policy priority.
Over the past two months, Australia’s Trade Minister, Simon Crean, has met WTO Director-General, Pascal Lamy, and ministers from major WTO members including the United States, European Union, India, Japan, and Cairns Group partners such as Brazil, Indonesia and Canada. He has emphasised that Australia remains committed to bringing the Round to a successful conclusion and has urged WTO members to demonstrate the necessary political will to conclude the Round.
An urgent breakthrough is needed if the main elements of a Doha package are to be concluded this year. The next key development is likely to be the release of revised draft agriculture and NAMA negotiating texts in February. Members’ reactions to these texts will be critical to the negotiations.
Agricultural market access is where the least progress has been made in the negotiations and where attention needs to be focused. Movement on agriculture by the major developed countries will hopefully allow major developing countries such as India and Brazil to make more realistic offers in the NAMA.