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EU-AUSTRALIA LEADERSHIP FORUM LAUNCHED IN AUSTRALIA

Published 21 Oct 2016

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop and Ambassador of the European Union to Australia Sem Fabrizi led the Australian launch of the EU-Australia Leadership Forum at Parliament House in Canberra on 19 October.

The EU-Australia Leadership Forum is a 3-year initiative aimed at strengthening the EU-Australian bilateral relationship. Over the course of the project, a series of Senior and Emerging Leaders’ Forums, Sectoral Policy Workshops and publications will provide opportunities for collaboration on new ideas in key areas such as trade, security, counter terrorism, education, innovation and sustainable development.

The Australian launch was attended by strong contingents from the diplomatic corps, government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as members of the EUALF steering committee and the consortium that will organise the forum, including the Australian Institute of International Affairs.

“I’m delighted to be part of a launch of the EU-Australia Leadership Forum, for this will broaden, deepen and diversify our already strong relationship,” said Minister Bishop.

“It will strengthen our ties, it will bring new energy and passion and vision to this wonderful relationship involving government, business, private sector, civil society, academia, our creative industries – a range of people who will come together to discuss our common challenges and common opportunities.”

This month’s launch followed the 8 September official launch of the EUALF in Brussels. Ms Bishop and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Frederica Mogherini.

The Australian Institute of International Affairs is a member of the consortium selected by the European Commission through a competitive tender process along with MWH – now part of Stantec, Agriconsulting Europe and the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce. AIIA National Executive Director Melissa Conley Tyler is the team leader of the project: http://europeaustraliaforum.eu/project-team.

For more information, see the official joint press release on the launch of the EU-Australia Leadership Forum:http://eeas.europa.eu/node/9541_en and the EU-Australia Leadership Forum website europeaustraliaforum.eu.