Visit to Qatar, Egypt, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

This week I will travel to Qatar, Egypt, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as part of the Albanese Government's sustained diplomatic engagement in the region.

Since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, Australia has sought to work with countries that have influence in the region to assist Australians, to help protect and support civilians, to help prevent conflict from spreading and to reinforce the need for a just and enduring peace. This visit will engage with key countries in the region in the pursuit of all of these objectives.

My visit is also an opportunity to thank regional countries for their assistance in helping Australians to safely depart the conflict zone and discuss ongoing consular challenges.

In Qatar, I will attend the Doha Forum to engage senior leaders on the conflict in the region, and to promote investment in Australia's clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.

My primary focus in Egypt will be regional security and humanitarian challenges, but I will also discuss ways to deepen our economic ties and multilateral cooperation.

During my visit to Israel, I will reiterate Australia's unequivocal condemnation of the Hamas terrorist attacks and support for victims and their families.

I will meet with officials, and invite visiting Australian parliamentarians to join key meetings.

In my visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and in meetings with the Palestinian Authority and senior UN representatives, I will discuss the current crisis and the humanitarian response.

In both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories I will continue Australia's advocacy for a just and enduring peace through a two-state solution, and discuss the next steps in a political process toward that goal. We want to see continued steps towards a sustained ceasefire, but it cannot be one sided.