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Wishing the best to all celebrating Vesak today, both here in Australia and around the world. May the teachings of the Buddha continue to inspire compassion, wisdom, and peace among communities and across cultures. Vesak is a moment to reflect on shared values that unite us all.

Representing Australia to the world is the honour of my life. I am delighted to continue working alongside Don Farrell and Pat Conroy, with our new Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio ministers, as we continue to progress Australia’s interests at a time of global uncertainty.

I know many Australians are concerned by recent hostilities between India and Pakistan. I’ve spoken with Dr. S. Jaishankar and Ishaq Dar to welcome the ceasefire and urge respect for its terms. De-escalation and counter-terrorism efforts are critical to regional peace & security.

Australia and Indonesia share a bond of history - and we are partners for the future.

Australia and Fiji are family. Our Vuvale Partnership is about respect, trust and delivering for our people. Thank you to PM Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for his warm welcome. In an uncertain world, we’re counting on each other to strengthen the resilience of our nations and the Pacific family.

The Australian Government is shocked and appalled by the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff in Washington DC. Our thoughts go out to their families, loved ones, and colleagues. There is no place for antisemitism in the world. It must be denounced and condemned.

Australia welcomes the signing of the historic agreement between the UK and Mauritius on sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. This agreement shows the value of peacefully resolving disputes in accordance with the rules and norms that underpin a stable and prosperous region.

Australia has no closer partner than New Zealand. Today I met NZ Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Winston Peters in Adelaide to discuss how we can better protect our region in uncertain times, by building stronger partnerships in the Pacific and strengthening regional institutions.

The abhorrent missile attacks on Ukraine over the weekend demonstrate Russia is not serious about wanting to end its illegal and immoral war. Ukraine’s citizens continue to bravely resist Russia’s aggression. We grieve the civilian lives lost. Australia stands with Ukraine.