Middle East ceasefire is fragile, Penny Wong says
Penny Wong says the US-Iran ceasefire is fragile but must hold for the sake of the world economy and energy markets.
Speaking on ABC’s 7.30, the foreign minister said there were obvious differences between the two parties but the potential downsides to the truce failing meant it was imperative that it worked.
This ceasefire is fragile, there’s no doubt about that. The ceasefire is fragile but the world does need it to hold. There are obviously substantial points of difference between the parties. But I think we all know that the damage that is happening to the global economy, to global energy markets, means that the world does need this ceasefire to hold.
Asked about whether Australia was on top of its fuel supplies problems, she said the gap in supply still had to be managed, noting Albanese’s trip to Singapore and her own contacts with governments in the region.
And you know, I spoke early on to Singapore, to Korea, to Malaysia, the Prime Minister, as you said, is going to Singapore, we’ve seen one announcement already and we will continue to work with them. I spoke to the Japanese foreign minister just before this interview, we want to keep engaging with our counterparts, because this is a very large shock to global energy markets, and one that will continue to have an effect.
And asked if the war had achieved its aims, she said:
I can understand people being really concerned about what is happening on global markets and what has happened in the Middle East, and the way this has escalated, which is why we have been saying for some time, it’s time for de-escalation.
Key events
As Anthony Albanese heads to Singapore, more details have emerged of the discussions he held on Tuesday night with the country’s premier, Li Qiang.
According to a statement issued by the Chinese embassy last night, Li told Albanese that Beijing was ready to work with Australia “to expand and upgrade bilateral trade, support enterprises of both countries in conducting cooperation based on market principles, and promote mutual benefit and win-win outcomes”.
Despite global uncertainty, China and Australia were important partners, Li said, and should “strive to foster and maintain a positive atmosphere, and consolidate the positive momentum in bilateral relations and cooperation”.
Pointing to the success of talks between Albanese and President Xi Jinping last year, China was ready to “maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen communication and coordination, consolidate mutual political trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, safeguard multilateralism and free trade, inject momentum into the development of the two countries and provide more stability for the region and the world at large”.
Middle East ceasefire is fragile, Penny Wong says
Penny Wong says the US-Iran ceasefire is fragile but must hold for the sake of the world economy and energy markets.
Speaking on ABC’s 7.30, the foreign minister said there were obvious differences between the two parties but the potential downsides to the truce failing meant it was imperative that it worked.
This ceasefire is fragile, there’s no doubt about that. The ceasefire is fragile but the world does need it to hold. There are obviously substantial points of difference between the parties. But I think we all know that the damage that is happening to the global economy, to global energy markets, means that the world does need this ceasefire to hold.
Asked about whether Australia was on top of its fuel supplies problems, she said the gap in supply still had to be managed, noting Albanese’s trip to Singapore and her own contacts with governments in the region.
And you know, I spoke early on to Singapore, to Korea, to Malaysia, the Prime Minister, as you said, is going to Singapore, we’ve seen one announcement already and we will continue to work with them. I spoke to the Japanese foreign minister just before this interview, we want to keep engaging with our counterparts, because this is a very large shock to global energy markets, and one that will continue to have an effect.
And asked if the war had achieved its aims, she said:
I can understand people being really concerned about what is happening on global markets and what has happened in the Middle East, and the way this has escalated, which is why we have been saying for some time, it’s time for de-escalation.
Albanese amps up regional diplomatic push with Brunei talks
Anthony Albanese has continued his diplomatic efforts across the Asia Pacific region as he tries to shore up Australia’s fuel supply.
Hours after a possible ceasefire deal was agreed between Iran and the United State on Wednesday, Albanese spoke last night to the Sultan of Brunei, Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
The leaders discussed deep concerns with the situation in the Middle East and its consequences for the Indo-Pacific, including the shock to global energy markets.
They agreed to work together on energy supply chains.
Albanese heads to Singapore today to meet the country’s prime minister, Lawrence Wong. Singapore is one of the biggest sources of fuel delivered to Australian markets.
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then it’ll be Nick Visser with the main action.
Anthony Albanese has continued his diplomatic efforts across the Asia Pacific region with talks with the sultan of Brunei last night as he tries to shore up Australia’s fuel supply. Those efforts will see him travel to Singapore today for talks with its prime minister, Lawrence Wong.
Penny Wong said last night the US-Iran ceasefire is fragile but must hold for the sake of the world economy and energy markets. This morning, she called the humanitarian situation in Lebanon – where more than 250 people were killed in Israeli strikes overnight – “deeply concerning”. More coming up.