The Hon Richard Marles MP
18 Dec 24
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The Hon Richard Marles MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Defence
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18 December 2024
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 18 - 19 December.
Saudi Arabia is Australia's second-largest trading partner in the Middle East and we work closely together in the G20, and through other multilateral institutions to respond to global challenges.
While in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with senior leaders, to reinforce our shared commitment to the global rules-based order.
Australia and the UAE have recently elevated our trade relationship with the signing of our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, strengthening our relationship and growing our economies.
Whilst is the UAE, the Deputy Prime Minister will also visit Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to Headquarters Middle East.
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are important partners for us in the Middle East.
"I am pleased to have the chance to meet key regional leaders and discuss the breadth of our ties, and opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.
"This holiday season, it is very special to be able to thank Australian personnel serving overseas in person, and to thank the UAE for its generosity in hosting them."