Visit to France

This week I will travel to France, an important strategic partner for Australia, and a leading long-term collaborator with Australia on Antarctic science and governance.

I look forward to representing Australia at the Paris Peace Forum, One Planet Polar Summit, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference and the International Humanitarian Conference for the Civilian Population of Gaza.

I will also meet French Government counterparts to continue discussions on the Australia-France Roadmap, as agreed by Prime Minister Albanese and President Macron in July 2022.

The Paris Peace Forum highlights cooperative solutions to global problems under the theme of 'Seeking Common Ground in a World of Rivalry', including protecting the planet and its people.

The Polar Summit will bring together ministers and experts from over forty countries to discuss climate change in the polar regions, including the Antarctic. I will highlight Australia's strong credentials and interests in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean and our commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

The UNESCO General Conference will provide an opportunity to highlight our strong commitment to the preservation of World Heritage, the environment and the oceans, including addressing the risks posed by climate change, our commitment to preserving Indigenous languages, and our support for quality education for all.

I look forward to promoting Australia's candidacy for election to the Executive Board of UNESCO for 2023-2027. Australia is a proud, longstanding member of UNESCO and our election would enable us to contribute to advancing global peace and prosperity.

I will also represent Australia at the International Humanitarian Conference for the Civilian Population of Gaza. Australia continues to strongly advocate for sustained access to affected people requiring humanitarian assistance. I will update the conference on Australia's $25 million aid package focused on meeting the urgent needs of civilians in Gaza.

Last year Prime Minister Albanese and President Macron pledged to strengthen the relationship between our two nations, my visit reinforces this commitment.