Australia and Brunei will work together to “strengthen the energy supply chain” amid the Middle East conflict, as the Australian prime minister stressed the need to resume talks between the US and Iran.
“We want to see talks between the United States and Iran resume, and we want to see a resumption of normal economic activity that is so important for the global economy,” Anthony Albanese said in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, according to an official statement.
Albanese is on a two-nation Southeast Asia tour aimed at securing energy supplies, as the war initiated by the US and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28 has disrupted global oil markets.
The warring sides are currently observing a two-week ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan, since April 8. Efforts are underway to extend the pause in fighting, which has left some 3,300 dead in Iran and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Pakistan hosted nearly 16 hours of inconclusive talks between the sides over the weekend, with Islamabad preparing for a possible second round.
A joint statement issued by Australia and Brunei at the end of Albanese’s visit said the nations “are longstanding friends and comprehensive partners and share a commitment to the peace, stability and prosperity of our region.”
Both countries “share deep concern over the situation in the Middle East and its consequences for our region, such as the impact on energy and food supply chains and prices.”
Australia has released oil from its strategic reserves to cushion the impact of supply shortages and has urged the public to increase the use of public transport.
Albanese said Brunei authorities “are not looking at imposing export restrictions on Australia.”
He added the two governments are working on “ways in which we can secure additional supplies, particularly of fertilizer, in return for, of course it goes back to Brunei as food.”
Albanese departed for Malaysia, his next stop, after concluding the two-day visit.
