Prime Minister Albanese met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin today to advance the Australia-Germany relationship.
The leaders held positive discussions on boosting trade and investment, climate action and clean energy, and our defence and security cooperation.
The Australia-Germany relationship has never been stronger, and our economic partnership is increasingly important for Australia’s future prosperity and job creation in a time of global uncertainty.
It’s a pleasure to be in Berlin on my first official visit as Prime Minister.
And it’s great to join you this evening to talk about the opportunities ahead.
Germany and Australia have had a diplomatic relationship spanning 70 years.
During this time, Germany has transformed itself into the economic backbone of Europe.
And Australia has become a major player in resources and energy trade, with a vibrant and diverse economy.
My discussions with Chancellor Scholz earlier today were focused on the future ...
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I'm very pleased to have concluded a successful bilateral visit here in Germany before I depart to Lithuania to attend my second NATO Summit with my Indo-Pacific partners, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand. We'll be having our IP Four meeting tomorrow morning and then addressing the NATO Summit, in addition to that I have a range of bilaterals. Australia and Germany's partnership is an important one, and during this visit we've successfully concluded a range of issues for our mutual interest.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I'm very glad to have concluded my first day at the NATO Summit, although we have the dinner coming ahead this evening. And today we've had successful meetings with NATO leaders, and of course, their partners. This Summit meets in the context of Russia's illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. And the ongoing trauma that has caused the people of Ukraine is the most important issue.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I'm very pleased to be here at the second meeting of the Indo-Pacific Four on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. And Australia is here because we understand that in today's interconnected and globalised world, what occurs in NATO countries also has an impact on the Indo-Pacific. And we're reminded of the interconnectedness around the world with the once again, egregious launch of an ICBM by North Korea overnight.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's great to be here in Germany. And tomorrow morning, we will have the signing of the deal to deliver over 100 Boxer armed carriers here to Germany. This will be one of our largest ever exports. It will guarantee that the one thousand jobs that are there in Queensland will go into the future and will be worth in excess of $1 billion for the Australian economy. This will boost our sovereignty. This will increase our defence capability and boost our economy. This is a great outcome.
The Albanese Government has agreed to a major defence export deal with Germany, signing an in-principle agreement for Australia to supply more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles, built in Brisbane.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessed the signing of the agreement by Ambassador to Germany Philip Green and Mr Benedikt Zimmer, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence, during his visit to Berlin.
OLAF SCHOLZ, CHANCELLOR OF GERMANY: I am delighted to be able to welcome you to the German Capital on your first official visit. Especially in times like these, we can see how important it is to closely exchange with partners, also with partners that are half a world away, if you will, like our friends from Down Under. Just ahead of the NATO Summit in Vilnius that will begin tomorrow, we see this opportunity to discuss Russian aggression in Ukraine and its impact. We also spoke about the challenges ahead for both of our countries.
KIA HANDLEY, HOST: Prime Minister, good afternoon.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good afternoon, good to be with you.
HANDLEY: How much dirt did you move today to make the job a little easier for the tradies?
PRIME MINISTER: I've got to say, between the three of us with three shovels -
HANDLEY: The job’s done.
JAMES VALENTINE, HOST: They'll be previewing what the Robodebt Royal Commission might find, what will be in it. Let's put some of those questions to the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese as well, who joins us this morning. Prime Minister. Very good morning.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Good to be with you.
VALENTINE: Thanks for coming on. What is it you don't know? If you look at the report, what's the question you want answered?