NATO important for peace in Indo-Pacific: Albanese

Paul Osborne and Tess Ikonomou | July 12, 2023

Anthony Albanese has told NATO leaders Australia’s partnership with the security alliance is crucial for global peace and prosperity.

The prime minister is in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius as part of a group of four Indo-Pacific nations sharing their concerns with European and other NATO partners about the global impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

NATO members invited Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea to provide insight into broader security challenges such as China’s military expansion.

“What we’ve come to say is that our nations based in the Indo-Pacific believe in the rule of law, that we support national sovereignty, that we support multilateral forums,” Mr Albanese told reporters.

“What happens in one part of the world has an impact in our part of the world and our presence here is a reflection of that.”

Mr Albanese spoke at the summit, where it is understood he told leaders keeping the peace was not simply the responsibility of major powers but that all countries needed to contribute to the world’s collective resilience.

He outlined Australia’s work in reforming the defence force, working with Washington and London on the AUKUS partnership, and boosting diplomatic work in the Indo-Pacific region and with NATO partners.

Australia this week announced a further step in its support for Ukraine – the deployment of a RAAF E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to protect the flow of assistance.

Mr Albanese is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday night.

After his meeting with Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO secretary general told reporters China “is not our adversary”.

“We should continue to engage,” Mr Stoltenberg said.

However, he added Beijing’s “increasing assertiveness” affected security and challenged the rules-based global order.

Chinese authorities said in a statement the nation opposed NATO’s “eastward movement into the Asia-Pacific region”.

“Any act that jeopardises China’s legitimate rights and interests will be met with a resolute response,” they said.

Ukraine is seeking to join NATO, but admission to the alliance is unlikely to take place soon.

NATO leaders have agreed on a long-term support package, deeper political ties and to further work with Ukraine on its accession which is not expected to occur until the war is over.

Mr Albanese said Australia would be engaged in supporting the people of Ukraine “for as long as is necessary”.

He spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron on the summit’s sidelines on Tuesday, as well as his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak, discussing progress on the AUKUS pact, the free trade agreement and cricket. 

The prime minister also met with a bipartisan delegation of US senators who will play a role in passing laws to enable the transfer of Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia under the AUKUS partnership.

Trade and climate were on the agenda for a meeting with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday.