Netanyahu calls for tripling of Australia trade

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told Malcolm Turnbull and senior cabinet ministers, trade between the two nations needs to 'double or triple' the existing level.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and Malcolm Turnbull shake hands during the signing agreements at the Commonwealth Parlimentary offices. Source: AAP

Mr Netanyahu was speaking to a group of ministers on the second day of a historic four-day visit to Australia, which included a large business delegation from the Jewish state.

Both prime ministers today signed an air services agreement to make travel between the two countries easier.

They also agreed on bilateral cooperation on technological innovation, research and development.

A joint statement released by both countries expressed concern about most of the Middle East flash points, including condemning the Islamist militant group Hezbollah, and supported Australia's contribution to the fight against IS in Iraq and Syria.

“We recognise the importance of defeating Islamist terrorism in the Middle East and indeed around the world for the safety of all of us,” Mr Turnbull said.

The leaders, and their wives, at Moriah War Memorial College in Sydney (AAP)
The leaders, and their wives, at Moriah War Memorial College in Sydney (AAP) Source: AAP

Mr Netanyahu said cyber security cooperation was one of the keys to the fight.

“This is one of the great paradoxes, we have to fight the barbarians on the technological turf it's amazing that's seldom happened before,” Mr Netanyahu said.

The Israeli prime minister also said he would like to triple trade between the two countries.

"Our trade is a $1 billion - it should be at least double or triple that and I'd like to encourage Australian and Israeli companies to increase their trade," Mr Netanyahu told the meeting.

Mr Turnbull told the meeting the two nations should be doing more to co-operate.

"There is so much scope for co-operation," he said.

"We have the same values - democracy, freedom, the rule of law.

"We are combating the same enemies - terrorists that seek to subvert those values and deny us our ability to live in a free society - and we are both committed to the innovation which we know will drive the productivity to keep rising in aspiration, in achievement, in prosperity."

The two leaders also visited a Jewish school where they were given a huge reception.

Sara (second right ) the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Lucy, right, wife of Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at a cafe (AAP)
Sara (second right ) the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Lucy, right, wife of Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at a cafe (AAP) Source: AAP

Earlier this morning, Lucy Turnbull hosted Sara Netanyahu at a Kosher bakery in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

On Thursday night, hundreds are expected at a pro-Palestinian rally at Sydney Town Hall.

This gathering comes a day after both prime ministers fielded questions over the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. 

Yesterday, Mr Turnbull said Australia still hoped for a two-state solution with Israelis and the Palestinians living alongside each other.

-With AAP


Share

3 min read

Published

Updated

By Kirsty Johansen



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world