Netanyahu in Australia

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara will arrive in Australia on Wednesday for what will be a historic occasion…the first time a sitting Israeli Prime Minister will visit Australia.

This visit will reinforce and affirm the strong bonds and enduring connection between the countries and peoples of Israel and Australia.

Malcolm Turnbull and Benjamin Netanyahu

The ties between Israel and Australia date back to 1917, with the Australian Light Horse Brigades courageous charge at the Battle of Beersheba which was a major milestone in driving out the Ottoman Empire from what is now modern Israel. In 1948, it was Australia’s own H.V. ‘Doc’ Evatt, who as President of the United Nations General Assembly, would champion Israel’s formation and advocated for its acceptance on the international stage. Since its establishment Israel and Australia have continued to build upon our shared values and shared history, common interests and respect for liberal democracy.

Prime Minister Netanyahu will hold bilateral meetings with the Governor General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove, and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull . Prime Minister Netanyahu will also meet with the leader of the opposition Bill Shorten and Gladys Berejiklian the Premier of New South Wales.

During this visit the two Prime Ministers will witness the signing of two bilateral agreements aimed at advancing technological innovation in research and development between both nations as well as an air services agreement which will facilitate commercial air transport services as a part of the burgeoning trade ties between Israel and Australia.

Accompanying Prime Minister Netanyahu will be a business delegation comprised of prominent members from the Israeli business community. Prime Minister Turnbull will host a forum that will bring together heads of industry and respected businesses officials from both nations in an opportunity to continue to build upon the trade and business ties between our nations.

Whilst in Australia, Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet with members of Australia’s strong, active and vibrant Jewish community. This community plays an important role in the relations linking the governments and peoples of Israel and Australia, and is admired across both our nations for its enormous contribution to Australian society and for the way in which it has brought both countries closer together.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said: “I am looking forward, with Lucy, to welcoming the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his wife, Mrs Sara Netanyahu, to Australia.

This is a historic visit – the first by an Israeli Prime Minister – and it demonstrates the strength of our relationship and its importance to both countries.

The friendship between Israel and Australia dates back to the establishment of Israel in 1948. It is anchored in our shared values, commitment to democracy and mutual interest in a rules-based international system and an open, global economy.

Later this year we will jointly commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba, a foundation stone of the relationship.

The Prime Minister’s visit is an opportunity to not only reflect on our shared past, but to invigorate and further deepen the relationship for the benefit of our people. We will discuss expanding cooperation in cyber-security, innovation and science, agritech, energy and resources, and the environment.

During the visit, our countries will sign an agreement on Technological Innovation and Research and Development, providing a framework for our scientists, engineers and businesses to create the jobs and industries of the future. We will also sign an agreement on Air Services, expanding our commercial and people-to-people links.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs Netanyahu will spend 22-25 February in Australia. They will be accompanied by a delegation of business leaders from Israel. I look forward to working with them to further strengthen ties between our countries.