This week in Australian foreign affairs: Australia condemns the Taliban for suspending Embassy operations, sanctions announced in response to Iran protest suppression, the King and Queen of Denmark to visit Australia, and more.
On January 30, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Their Majesties, The King and Queen of Denmark, would visit Australia from 14 to 19 March. This visit comes on the heels of increased global tensions – most notably tensions between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States of America. Their Majesties will be accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities. The Royal House of Denmark affirmed “The purpose of the state visit is to further develop the already strong relations between Australia and Denmark, both culturally, economically, and in terms of foreign policy. A strengthened partnership with Australia is particularly important at a time when geopolitical shifts have economic and security implications that link developments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. Building on the strategic partnership between Australia and Denmark signed in 2023, the state visit aims to enhance cooperation across a broad range of areas, including the green transition and economic security.”
On January 30 the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Canberra and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia released a joint statement condemning the Taliban and announcing the suspension of the Embassy’s operations. According to the statement: “The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Canberra and the Australian Government stand with the people of Afghanistan. We do not recognise the Taliban as the legitimate representatives of the Afghan people. We strongly condemn the Taliban’s persistent systematic abuses of human rights – particularly against women and girls, and voices of dissent. We reaffirm our shared commitment to human rights, and the dignity of the people of Afghanistan.” The statement went on to announce: “In light of the prevailing circumstances, following consultations instigated by the Australian Government, and in the context of constraints beyond the control of the Embassy, given concerns the situation was not able to continue in perpetuity, we advise that the Embassy’s operations will be suspended after 30 June 2026. While this was not the preferred outcome, an understanding has been reached regarding an orderly and dignified transition, without prejudice to the Embassy’s or the Australian Government’s principled position on the situation in Afghanistan.” The statement concluded by stating “The Australian Government has no intention of accepting a Taliban-appointed diplomat, Honorary Consul or other representative.”
On February 2, the Australian Department of Defence announced the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) had deployed aircraft and aviators to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The deployment is part of exercises with the United States and the United Kingdom entitled Red Flag Nellis and Bamboo Eagle 26-1. These exercises will focus on what the Department is calling “high-intensity air operations” as well as “long-range missions across both land and maritime environments in the western United States”. Australia will deploy up to six F-35A Lightning II aircraft, an E-7A Wedgetail, and around 227 aviators. Defence asserted “Australia’s involvement in these exercises strengthens deterrence, contributes to regional security and stability, and reinforces long-standing partnerships.”
On February 3, the Government announced Targeted sanctions in response to brutal repression of protests in Iran. The imposed sanctions target 20 individuals and 3 entities including senior officials and entities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The sanctions come after weeks of protests in which the regime has massacred or arrested thousands. The Albanese Government has now sanctioned more than 200 Iranian individuals and entities, including more than 100 linked to the IRGC which the Australian Government lists as a state-sponsor of terrorism.
On February 3, The Australian Government welcomed the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), H.E. Dr Hilda Heine and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Hon Kalani Kaneko. The visit marks a historic moment in bilateral relations and the first official visit by an RMI President in more than three decades. During the visit, President Heine witnessed Foreign Ministers Wong and Kaneko sign a letter of intent for Australia’s support for RMI’s new Resilience and Adaptation Trust Fund. According to the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Fund will “provide long-term financing for RMI to strengthen its climate change resilience, adaptation and mitigation.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated, “Our region is stronger together – Australia and the Marshall Islands have a joint commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”
On February 4, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate, Penny Wong will welcome Germany’s Foreign Minister, Dr Johann Wadephul in Canberra. The bilateral relationship between Germany and Australia is underpinned by an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. The Hon Penny Wong is quoted as saying “We are committed to strengthening our cooperation, bilaterally and with partners across our regions to build our respective and collective resilience to global challenges.”
Alexandra Desailly is an Australian Outlook Intern at the Australian Institute of International Affairs National Office. She is one of thirty selected for the Young Australians in International Affairs (YAIA) Emerging Leaders Dialogues and the winner of the YAIA Policy Pitch Competition. She holds a Bachelor of International Studies with Distinction from UNSW; her work focuses on European current affairs, national security, and diplomacy.
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