On Monday, Australia’s new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke to his British counterpart Boris Johnson regarding expanding the AUKUS alliance. A press release by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Office revealed that the two leaders “strongly agreed” on the alliance’s “vital importance” and discussed further avenues for collaboration.
The release said Johnson expressed his viewpoint that “the trilateral grouping could go further together in other domains, where both countries could collaborate for the global good.”
Similarly, Albanese took to Twitter to reaffirm that his Labor government will build on the foundations for the agreement that were laid by his predecessor Scott Morrison.
#BREAKING New Australian Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spoke on the phone to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson from his plane, en route to Tokyo. Mr Albanese said it was “friendly and very positive”. They spoke about AUKUS and climate change @SBSNews
— Anna Henderson (@annajhenderson) May 23, 2022
The two leaders also discussed other matters related to global security, climate change, and trade, with the UK government noting that they share a “strong alignment” on all these topics.
The AUKUS trilateral security arrangement was announced last September in an effort to bolster cooperation and counter China’s increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Under the agreement, Australia would acquire nuclear technology from its partners to manufacture a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The alliance also provides information on artificial intelligence, quantum and unidentified undersea capabilities, and cyber technology.
This afternoon I spoke with Prime Minister @BorisJohnson, affirming the strength of Australia’s close relationship with the United Kingdom.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 23, 2022
We discussed our shared commitment to AUKUS and to acting on the challenge of climate change. pic.twitter.com/qmE7rvI7br
Although neither leader explained what expanding the agreement would entail, Morrison said prior to exiting office that the deal would now include cooperation on the development of hypersonic weapons and counter-hypersonic and cyber warfare capabilities.
Johnson and Morrison also discussed the two countries’ free trade agreement (FTA), which was signed last December. The deal will reduce up to $13.8 billion in tariffs and $6.6 billion in taxes on Australian goods by removing trade restrictions on up to 99% of its exports to the UK. Likewise, the deal eliminates most tariffs on British exports, unlocking $13.86 billion of additional trade.
Furthermore, they discussed the Ukraine war, with Johnson thanking Australia for its “principled position” and “strong support” for Ukraine. Keeping this in mind, the pair agreed to ensure that the Ukraine war did not encourage other countries to undermine global stability.
Congratulations @AlboMP on your election as Prime Minister of Australia.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 21, 2022
I look forward to working with you as we reap the rewards of our comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, the AUKUS partnership and the unmatched closeness between the British and Australian people.
🇬🇧🇦🇺
Taking this alignment into consideration, Johnson said during the call: “As we reap the rewards of our comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, the AUKUS partnership and the unmatched closeness between the British and Australian people, we do so knowing that the only distance between us is geographical.”
He added, “Our countries have a long history and a bright future together. As thriving likeminded democracies we work every day to make the world a better, safer, greener and more prosperous place.”
Albanese was sworn in as the country’s prime minister on Monday after he defeated his predecessor Scott Morrison in the May 21 federal elections.
Boris Johnson sends congratulations to Anthony Albanese:
— Brett Mcleod (@Brett_McLeod) May 21, 2022
“As thriving likeminded democracies we work every day to make the world a better, safer, greener and more prosperous place.” pic.twitter.com/zB72ol2Dzd
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida denied reports that Japan plans to join the AUKUS security alliance but said it would continue to develop partnerships with its members.
Following the Quad summit, Kishida said, “AUKUS is of great importance for stability and peace in the region. Our country supports it. Our country is not currently thinking about joining AUKUS. Australia, the UK, the US are important security and defense partners. We will strengthen cooperation with these countries in various forms and will continue to promote it.”