Visit to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

This week I will travel to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss important national and regional security issues, advance Australia’s economic interests in the Middle East, and strengthen our important people and business ties.

During my visit to Lebanon, I will discuss our continued close cooperation on counterterrorism and transnational crime, as well as economic challenges and opportunities. I will also seek an update on the investigation into the Beirut blast, and meet with the Lebanese-Australian community, which is an enduring strength of our bilateral relationship.

In Saudi Arabia, I will join the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, exchanging views on regional security with coalition partners. I will reaffirm our commitment to the bilateral relationship, supported by growing trade and investment ties and shared G20 membership.

I will also discuss the regional impact of key issues including climate change, humanitarian challenges emanating from regional conflicts, and cooperation in multilateral settings to strengthen the rules-based order.

The United Arab Emirates is a valued partner and a hub connecting Australians and Australian freight to the world. I will discuss ways we can further enhance our already-close trade ties and highlight Australia as a reliable and reputable partner in two-way investment and as a provider of vocational, technical, and tertiary education.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates continue to provide assistance to Australians evacuating Sudan. This visit will be an opportunity to thank both governments for their support and efforts to end the conflict.