The 'Father' of the Australian House of Representatives, Kevin Andrews, called for further strengthening of EU-Australia relations on Tuesday 1 October.
"Our relations with the EU are very important (...) We want to maintain a strong relationship and continue it in the future", including at parliamentary level, he explained during a hearing at the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee following the 40th annual meeting of the interparliamentary delegation between the EU and Australia. "This relationship is of growing importance", said the former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Thus, according to Mr Andrews, even in the event of Brexit, his country will maintain an important relationship with the EU, which would remain its third trading partner, while the United Kingdom would be the eighth or ninth. "Even if we have historical ties (with the United Kingdom), we will not let our feelings guide our future", he warned, insisting that Canberra wanted to develop its economic and cultural relations with the EU.
According to the MP, exchanges with the EU present a "major potential" for both sides. "If we can act as soon as possible, it will be even more interesting. It is likely to bring many benefits, but we understand the challenges ahead", he added. Negotiations were launched in June 2018 and a fifth round of discussions is expected to take place this month (see EUROPE 12305/17).
Mr Andrews also wished for an agreement on connectivity, similar to the one signed between the EU and Japan (see EUROPE 12337/28), to be reached with Australia. "We are in negotiations with the European Commission to see to what extent [we can] put in place a common agenda in terms of connectivity; I think the dialogue will continue for some time", he announced.
He also highlighted the fight against terrorism, recalling the exchange of information with the relevant European institutions. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)