Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Richard Marles has visited Andorra and San Marino to promote greater engagement and co-operation between Australia and the two small European states.

Mr Marles — the first Australian Government Ministerial representative to visit both nations — met a range of Government leaders during his trip, building on high-level cooperation developed in multilateral fora over recent years.

In Andorra, Mr Marles discussed international issues of common interest.

"Andorra is actively engaged in the multilateral arena in advocating the interests of small states," he said.

"Australia’s long experience in the Pacific has demonstrated our willingness to listen to, and work with, small states to make a difference."

Mr Marles also discussed strengthening cooperation on issues such as taxation, following Andorra’s signing of the Tax Information Exchange Agreement.

During the Parliamentary Secretary’s visit to San Marino, he spoke about how the bilateral relationship has expanded over recent years.

"Australia is pleased to be working closely with San Marino in the United Nations and other organisations. My visit demonstrates Australia’s commitment to working with San Marino, and other small states," he said.

Mr Marles discussed progress on negotiation of a Work and Holiday Arrangement.

"Such an arrangement would be a boon to our younger citizens, allowing them to learn and explore each other’s cultures more deeply," he said.

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