This week in Australian foreign affairs: Prime Minister and Foreign Minister welcome Gaza peace plan agreement; Australia enhances defence partnerships with Singapore and India through new bilateral arrangements; Deputy Prime Minister hosts visits from Singapore and Indian Defence Ministers to advance regional security cooperation, and more.
On 7 October, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles welcomed Singapore’s Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing to Australia for discussions on opportunities to further deepen the long-standing defence partnership between the two nations. The visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of Australia and Singapore’s diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This agreement encompasses trade, defence, science and innovation, education and the arts. Deputy Prime Minister Marles emphasised the shared trust and strategic interests underpinning the defence relationship, noting that “our militaries have a long history of working together.” He expressed appreciation for Singapore’s support for Australian personnel and assets operating throughout Southeast Asia. He highlighted Australia’s pride in hosting the rotational training of Singapore Armed Forces personnel in Queensland and Western Australia for over three decades.
On 8 October, Australia and Singapore agreed to upgrade their defence and security partnership as part of the enhanced bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, providing an ambitious framework for deepening defence cooperation. Through the MOU, Australia and Singapore will enhance reciprocal access to defence facilities, including expanded access for the Australian Defence Force in Singapore and increased access for the Singapore Armed Forces to training areas in Australia. The agreement also commits both nations to deepen their defence science and technology collaboration, enhance cooperation on defence supply chains and logistics ecosystems, and expand professional exchanges between their militaries. Deputy Prime Minister Marles noted that “Australia is proud to have supported the rotational training of Singapore Armed Forces personnel in Australia for over three decades,” welcoming the advancement of defence and security cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The MOU builds on and supersedes the 2008 Memorandum of Understanding concerning Defence Cooperation.
On 9 October, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles welcomed Indian Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh to Australia for his first official visit, marking the first visit to Australia by an Indian Defence Minister since 2013. Deputy Prime Minister Marles described the meeting as reflecting “the importance of the Australia–India defence partnership,” noting that defence and security cooperation is now one of the strongest pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The Ministers discussed next steps to deepen the defence partnership, including enhancing strategic dialogue and increasing the complexity of joint exercises. Following the meeting, Australia and India signed new bilateral arrangements to advance their defence relationship, including cooperation on submarine rescue and support, as well as the establishment of a forum for joint staff talks between their defence forces. Deputy Prime Minister Marles highlighted the increasing tempo of defence engagement, including India’s inaugural participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, the recently signed Air-to-Air Refuelling Implementing Arrangement, and deepening cooperation in the maritime domain.
On 9 October, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a joint statement welcoming President Trump’s announcement that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of a plan to bring peace to Gaza. After more than two years of conflict, hostages held and devastating loss of civilian life, the leaders described this as “a much-needed step towards peace.” Australia has consistently been part of international calls for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and the unimpeded flow of aid to Gaza. The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister urged all parties to respect the terms of the plan. They thanked President Trump for his diplomatic efforts, while acknowledging the important role of Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye in delivering the agreement. Australia strongly supports the plan’s commitment to denying Hamas any role in the future governance of Gaza. The statement emphasised that there is “a very long road to recovery in Gaza, securing long-term peace and building the Palestinian state,” and committed that Australia, together with partners, will continue to contribute to a just and enduring two-state solution.
Foreign Minister Senator the Hon Penny Wong has confirmed she will deliver the keynote address at the AIIA National Conference Gala Dinner on 17 November. Registration is now available on our website, with earlybird discounts available for early registrations.
Emily Mosley is the Projects and Publications Manager for the AIIA National Office.
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