Australia, Jordan Deepen Defence and Climate Ties Amid Middle East Tensions

Australia and Jordan have agreed to strengthen cooperation on defence, climate, and trade during King Abdullah II’s official visit to Canberra.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Jordanian monarch issued a Joint Leaders Statement on Enhanced Cooperation on Oct. 15, building on a 2016 declaration.

“It is an absolute honour to welcome you to Australia,” Albanese said at Parliament House.

“It’s never been more important for countries to work together in the interests of international security.”

Albanese said the King played an important role in the region and expressed admiration for his personal leadership.

“In your part of the world—we live in here, an island continent with no land borders, your situation is far more complex in that part of the world, and the role that you play in being an advocate for peace and security is an absolutely critical one,” Albanese added.

The leaders expressed concern over Middle East tensions, called for de-escalation through diplomacy and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution.

Australia also condemned the Iranian attacks targeting Jordan.

“We share your condemnation of the Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. And we mourn the tragic loss of life that we have seen. We have consistently called for de-escalation in the region.” Albanese said.

Meanwhile, King Abdullah thanked Australia for its hospitality, saying the relationship can only get stronger, particularly in military and intelligence areas.

“I do hope that we’ll have you back in Jordan sometime soon, and I believe that all of us have a lot of work to do in trying to de-escalate the challenges in our region,” he said.

“Obviously navigating these sorts of problems to be able to figure out how we can bring people closer together.”

In their joint statement, the two leaders agreed to improve operation coordination to disrupt terrorist activity, financing and recruitment.

The leaders condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms. Albanese and the King also confirmed the strong and enduring defence partnership between Australia and Jordan.

Further, they affirmed the need for “international cooperation to address climate change” and agreed to explore greater cooperation on water security and drought.

Meanwhile, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Ted O’Brien also welcomed the Jordan King to Government House.

He said Australia and Jordan shared “a strong and enduring partnership” built on more than 50 years of diplomatic ties.

“Strong international partnerships matter more than ever, and I look forward to seeing the relationship between our two nations continue to grow,” he said on Instagram.