Brussels, 26/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 26 October, the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs, Catherine Ashton, met the Australian foreign minister, Kevin Rudd. Stressing that Australia is an “important partner” for the EU, Ashton hopes that the meeting “will further enhance EU-Australia relations through the launch of negotiations on an agreement which will cover many issues, including climate change, development aid, energy, science and technology, education, human rights, counter-terrorism and non-proliferation”. The head of European diplomacy will also be taking part in a meeting of the Commonwealth heads of government in Perth. This meeting represents “an excellent opportunity” to discuss how the “EU can be relevant” to these countries “in areas such as democracy, security and development”, the high representative said. “Silence is not an option: we must reinforce the role of the Commonwealth in the protection of human rights” she told a discussion on Wednesday 26 October, as reported on her Twitter feed.
Catherine Ashton has taken part in events on the reinforcement of human rights, women's empowerment and the fight against piracy. She will be in Australia until 28 October. (CG/transl.fl)