European Union strengthens agreement with Australia

The head of diplomacy of the European Union (EU), Federica Mogherini, expressed this Tuesday (8.8.2018) the wishes for a rapid free negotiation agreement with Australia, amid the trade dispute between China and the United States.

 

The EU representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy met with the Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, in the city of Sydney, where they discussed, among other issues, the issues related to this trade agreement described as "broad and ambitious«.

"We stand firm on free trade and opening of markets "as the key to economic prosperity in the EU, Australia and the region," the Australian minister said at a press conference after the meeting.

 

The agreement will enhance dialogue and cooperation on issues such as terrorism, non-proliferation, environment and energy, human rights, migration, trade, education and science, research and innovation.

In this regard, Mogherini stressed the importance of the partnership with Australia, particularly at this time of global uncertainty and some tendencies towards protectionism.

China and the United States are locked in a trade war after Washington imposed 25 percent tariffs on Chinese products two weeks ago and in response the Asian giant also applied taxes of equal value on American goods.

Australia is the latest stop on the EU foreign policy official's tour of countries in the Pacific region, which also included visits to Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand.