Von der Leyen: "Expanding the Strategic Partnership"
Albanese Shows Cautious Stance
"Interested in Further Cooperation... Still at an Early Stage"
The European Union (EU) has expressed its intention to Australia to pursue a security agreement, proposing to strengthen cooperation in security and defense beyond the level of a simple trade partnership. Australia responded by maintaining a cautious stance, while also indicating openness to further cooperation.
According to Australian broadcaster ABC and AFP on May 19, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held talks in Rome, Italy, the previous day, where they discussed the possibility of a security agreement between the two sides. Both leaders were in Rome to attend the inaugural mass for Pope Leo XIV.
Prior to the meeting, President von der Leyen stated her intention to "expand the strategic partnership" with Australia, including in defense and security matters. She emphasized, "We do not see Australia as merely a trade counterpart, but as a strategic partner, and we want to deepen this partnership further."
President von der Leyen referenced the security and defense agreements the EU signed with South Korea and Japan in November of last year, saying, "I would be very pleased if we could develop a similar relationship in defense and security cooperation," and explained that this would be to further broaden the strategic partnership in the many areas the two sides share.
In November of last year, the EU signed a "Security and Defense Partnership" with South Korea, which included joint meetings on security and intelligence and cooperation on cybersecurity. A similar "Security and Defense Partnership" was also established with Japan.
Prime Minister Albanese also responded positively while maintaining a cautious approach. He said, "We are certainly interested in participating in any additional cooperation, but it is still at a very early stage," and added, "Future discussions could take place either at the NATO level or through bilateral consultations between Australia and the EU."
The two leaders also discussed the free trade agreement (FTA) currently under negotiation between the EU and Australia. The two sides have been negotiating for years, but have reportedly faced difficulties reaching an agreement on issues such as agricultural and automobile tariffs and the use of trademarks containing European geographical names.
According to The Guardian, as of 2022-2023, the EU is Australia's third-largest two-way trading partner. It is also Australia's sixth-largest export destination and third-largest market for service exports. The total trade volume between the two sides amounts to approximately 110 billion Australian dollars (about 99 trillion won).
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