Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has excellent bilateral relations with Australia, anchored in shared values and close people to people links. I met with Australia’s then Foreign Minister, Marise Payne, last February in the margins of an international conference in Munich. This was our first opportunity to meet in person since the onset of the pandemic. We discussed a range of topics, including bilateral matters.

As you will be aware, Australia’s Federal Elections took place in May, resulting in the appointment of a new government led by Prime Minister Albanese. Penny Wong has now been appointed as Australia’s Foreign Minister. I have written to Minister Wong congratulating her on her appointment and setting out my hope that we might meet in the coming period.