Australia is set to begin negotiations on a new security and defence partnership with the European Union, while also pushing for a long-anticipated trade agreement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced at the G7 summit.
The agreement, discussed during his meetings with EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa at the G7 summit, would focus on areas such as defence industry collaboration, cyber security, and counter-terrorism, without including military deployment commitments.
Albanese emphasized that the agreement would strengthen cooperation and enable potential joint defence procurement, underlining growing security ties between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. EU officials have clarified that the arrangement would not constitute a military alliance, similar to existing partnerships with Japan and South Korea.
"We see this as an important framework for our current and future cooperation in areas like defence industry, cyber and counter-terrorism," he said.
Albanese also expressed optimism about the resumption of negotiations on a free trade agreement with the EU. He noted that around half of the pending issues have been resolved, but highlighted Australia's interest in expanded market access for its beef and sheep exports.
"Both of us emphasised that at this time it's the substance that's important. But it's also symbolically important to see an outcome of an expansion of trade," the Australian Prime Minister announced.
On the sidelines of the summit, Albanese also held discussions with senior U.S. trade officials following the early departure of President Donald Trump, which led to the cancellation of their scheduled meeting. Australia has been advocating for the removal of U.S. tariffs, emphasizing its rich supply of critical minerals.
Azerbaijan and Austria have expressed mutual interest in enhancing strategic partnerships and fostering long-term economic collaboration between both countries.
Austrian authorities are cautiously assembling a psychological profile of the 21-year-old man responsible for the country's deadliest school shooting, which left 10 people dead before the attacker took his own life. The investigation has been hampered by a lack of people who knew him personally.
A former pupil opened fire at a school in the Austrian city of Graz, killing 10 people and then taking his own life in what authorities say is the country’s deadliest mass shooting in recent history.
A shooting at a secondary school in Graz has left at least nine people dead and several injured, in what officials are calling a national tragedy and Austria’s worst school shooting in modern history.
Iran has slammed an Austrian intelligence report accusing it of pursuing a military nuclear program, calling the claims baseless and demanding an official explanation from Vienna.
Berlin is preparing a new bill to accelerate arms purchases and prioritize domestic weapons production, aiming to respond swiftly to growing security threats triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Iran warned on Wednesday that it would respond firmly to any direct U.S. involvement in Israel’s military campaign, as tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv escalated sharply.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender, warning that any American military action would bring severe consequences.
Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee is under scrutiny following revelations that she used a secure presidential phone line to speak with a top aide just weeks before being questioned in a major stock price manipulation and bribery probe.
The Agreement between the Governments of Azerbaijan and the Maldives, which exempts holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports from visa requirements, officially takes effect on June 18, 2025.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
President Ilham Aliyev and Bulgarian National Assembly President Natalia Kiselova reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria during a meeting in Baku on June 18, highlighting strong political and energy ties.
Iran warned on Wednesday that it would respond firmly to any direct U.S. involvement in Israel’s military campaign, as tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv escalated sharply.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender, warning that any American military action would bring severe consequences.
The 7th International Music Festival “World of Mugham” opened with a grand ceremony at the Heydar Aliyev Palace in Baku on June 17, uniting artists and scholars from over 25 countries.
President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Armenia must respect Azerbaijanis' right to return to their ancestral lands as a fundamental condition for achieving peace, reconciliation, and upholding human rights in the region.
Berlin is preparing a new bill to accelerate arms purchases and prioritize domestic weapons production, aiming to respond swiftly to growing security threats triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Iran warned on Wednesday that it would respond firmly to any direct U.S. involvement in Israel’s military campaign, as tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv escalated sharply.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender, warning that any American military action would bring severe consequences.
Former South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee is under scrutiny following revelations that she used a secure presidential phone line to speak with a top aide just weeks before being questioned in a major stock price manipulation and bribery probe.
The Agreement between the Governments of Azerbaijan and the Maldives, which exempts holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports from visa requirements, officially takes effect on June 18, 2025.
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