The defence minister,Richard Marles, who is acting prime minister during Albanese’s trip, said Australia remains deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran but stressed the government would continue to push a strategy of “dialogue and diplomacy”. He told RN Breakfast:
Israel does have a right to self-defence, and we understand the risk that the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile program represents. But right now, the focus has to be on dialogue and diplomacy.
We are deeply concerned about the prospects for escalation here and about this becoming a broader conflict. And that’s why we are making that call now as we are with our international partners.
The conflict hasintensified in recent days, with ongoing strikes in both Israel and Iran despite calls to de-escalate. Israel’s military said several sites were hit by Iranian missiles on Sunday night, while Iran says at least 224 people have been killed since Israel’s attacks began on Friday.
Marles says Albanese and Trump need to build on ‘rapport’ at G7
Marles was asked what a successful meeting between Albanese andDonald Trumpwould look like in Canada this week, where the pair are expected to officially meet. Albaneselocked inthe meeting on Sunday. Marles told RN Breakfast:
It’ll be the first face-to-face meeting between the president and the prime minister. And so, you know, actually, I think in any meeting of this kind, establishing that rapport initially is really important.
I mean, the personal relationship between two leaders matters. … I think there is already a rapport in place between the two of them. We will continue to press the case.
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The defence minister,Richard Marles, who is acting prime minister during Albanese’s trip, said Australia remains deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran but stressed the government would continue to push a strategy of “dialogue and diplomacy”. He told RN Breakfast:
Israel does have a right to self-defence, and we understand the risk that the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile program represents. But right now, the focus has to be on dialogue and diplomacy.
We are deeply concerned about the prospects for escalation here and about this becoming a broader conflict. And that’s why we are making that call now as we are with our international partners.
The conflict hasintensified in recent days, with ongoing strikes in both Israel and Iran despite calls to de-escalate. Israel’s military said several sites were hit by Iranian missiles on Sunday night, while Iran says at least 224 people have been killed since Israel’s attacks began on Friday.
Albanese will meet with Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, this morning
Prime ministerAnthony Albaneseis due to meet his Canadian counterpart,Mark Carney, in Calgary in the next few hours. Carney is hosting world leaders in the Rocky Mountain foothills this week for the G7 summit and greeted Albanese on his arrival into Canada, on Sunday afternoon local time.
This is the pair’s first official bilateral meeting but they have spoken before and met informally at the pope’s inauguration in Rome in May.
The pair are expected to discuss how Australia and Canada can deepen cooperation. They will also talk about defence industry, climate change and critical minerals, as well as the growing Middle East war.
Both Albanese and Carney were re-elected earlier this year in part due to the unpopularity of another summit participant – the US president,Donald Trump.
The economic relationship between Australia and Canada is strong and Australia also recently sent 97 firefighters to assist Canada’s response to ongoing wildfires in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, at the request of Canadian authorities.
We learned on Sunday that Albanese would have his first face-to-face meeting with Trump while at theG7. We expect that meeting on Tuesday, local time, and overnight in Australia.
Good morning and happy Monday.Nick Visserhere to take you through the day’s news. Here’s what’s on deck:
The prime minister,Anthony Albanese,will meet his Canadian counterpart,Mark Carney, in Calgary this morning. World leaders are set to gather for the G7 summit this week, where the growing conflict between Israel and Iran will be top of mind. Albanese and Carney met informally at the pope’s inauguration in Rome, but will speak more about defence, climate change and critical minerals, as well as the conflicts in the Middle East.
Sydney’s new airport is set to get an $835m boost in funding under the NSW budget to be delivered later this month. The funding injection should help develop the massive industrial and housing zone around the Western Sydney airport, which is set to open in 2026.
Oscar Piastrifinished in fourth place at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal despite a crash with McLaren teammateLando Norris,who took responsibility for the collision. Piastri maintains his lead in the drivers’ championship.
Stick with us.