Australia to negotiate defense pact with EU

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - Australia is considering holding formal negotiations on joining a new defense and security pact with the European Union (EU), with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese preparing to discuss plans at this week’s G7 summit in Canada, local media reported on Monday.

Albanese has tasked Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles with moving forward on consideration of the invitation from the EU to create a formal security and defense partnership, local broadcaster SBS News reported.

The invitation was extended by EU President Ursula von der Leyen during talks with Albanese in Rome in May.

Trade Minister Don Farrell confirmed, earlier this month, that officials had been dispatched to Brussels to begin formal conversations about the proposal.

Albanese told reporters in Calgary that he would meet with von der Leyen in the coming days.

"One of the things that I've said consistently is that we invest in our capability and we invest in our relationships. The two things are important," he said.

"An investment in our relationships can produce very effective outcomes economically as well," Albanese maintained.

*Writing by Aamir Latif