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to participate in the extraordinarily strong economic growth
in our region. An Australia-EU FTA would deliver another
significant economic anchor for the EU in the Asia-Pacific
region. If we are successful, the EU and Australia will benefit
from more open markets, which in turn will promote growth
and job creation.
Third, Australia is committed to playing its part to defend
global security and stability. Australia is a key contributor to
the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and
we are an Enhanced Opportunities Partner with the Alliance.
With NATO, the EU, and its member states, we work together
to address shared security challenges, including on defence
capacity building, crisis management and Women Peace and
Security.
Finally, I want to see our close and warm relations with
Belgium and Luxembourg continue to flourish. We share
similar approaches to many international issues and our
economic and political links are vibrant. We share long
historical and cultural ties, not least in Belgium where over
12,000 Australians died in Flanders during the First World
War, but the success of our economies – and our relationship
owes much to the resilience and dynamism of our people.
I want to do what I can to support and encourage our
people, our firms and other organisations to build on these
foundations.”
AUSTRALIA’S MILITARY COMMEMORATIONS –
THE ANZAC TRADITION
“One of the highest priorities in the first weeks
after my arrival was to participate in the Anzac Day
commemorations in western Flanders. Anzac Day is one of
Australia’s most important national occasions, and it is one
with a direct connection to Belgium. Held on 25 April, the
day marks the anniversary of the first major military action
fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
(ANZAC) during the First World War, at Gallipoli. Anzac
Day is our day of national remembrance, both at home
and abroad, for those who have served and died in military
operations. In Westhoek, the Australian Embassy organises
a program of commemorations in collaboration with the
New Zealand Embassy and local communities.
H.E. Justin Brown - Ambassador of Australia
led Australia’s official participation in the commemorative
events at Zonnebeke, Ieper and Comines-Warneton.
The Minister and I joined hundreds of fellow Australians
and others in what were very moving ceremonies, enhanced
by the involvement of the Australian Federation Guard
Catafalque Party and Australian Defence Force singers.
I saw for myself the commitment of many ordinary Belgians
to honour the Australians who died in Flanders for the
values that we share. All Australians are deeply appreciative
of these efforts, which have been central to the strong bonds
between our countries and between the people of Australia
and Belgium.”
AUSTRALIA IS THE PROUD HOST OF THE 2018
GLOBAL SUMMIT OF WOMEN.
Australia 2018 Global Summit of Women is the premier
international forum to accelerate women’s economic
progress worldwide. The 2018 Summit will salute women’s
achievements while continuing to explore practical
strategies and best practices in improving women’s
economic status, whether they are corporate initiatives,
public policies or NGO programs.
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These ceremonies have great resonance for all Australians
as they take place on battlefields where more than 12,000
Australian soldiers fought and gave their lives in Belgium.
Australia’s Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Darren Chester,
The Summit’s unique engagement of the three critical ‘legs’
of change – government, business and civil society – is
reflected in its participants, presenters and partners. The
theme of the 2018 Summit — “Women: Creating Economies