Australia, UK forge new climate, security partnership at Commonwealth meeting

Australia and the UK on Friday agreed on enhancing bilateral cooperation on climate change and energy by negotiating a “dynamic new partnership.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa, on Friday, according to a statement by the Australian government.

This was their first meeting since the Starmer government took office in July.

Both leaders highlighted the enduring relationship between the two nations, “underpinned by close personal ties and strong security, trade and investment links,” according to a UK government statement.

Discussions covered a range of pressing issues, from climate change to defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

The centerpiece of the meeting was the announcement of the Australia-UK Climate and Energy Partnership, which aims to expedite the transition to net zero through enhanced cooperation on renewable energy technologies.

‘Australia and the UK are longstanding partners, with common values and aligned strategic interests. This partnership will ensure we maximise the economic potential of the net zero transition,’ Albanese said.

Both governments will focus on accelerating the deployment of renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen and offshore wind power, according to the statement.

The partnership will also strengthen existing collaborations on international climate action, including renewable energy advancements and climate finance.

On defense, Albanese and Starmer reaffirmed their commitment to the AUKUS trilateral security partnership.

The leaders pledged to negotiate a bilateral treaty to advance the SSN-AUKUS submarine project for Australia and the UK, a move they underscored as essential to stability in the Indo-Pacific.

‘The UK and Australia share many things in common, including our governments’ determination to improve the lives of working people, drive economic growth, and ensure cleaner, more affordable energy,’ said Starmer.

• Anthony Albanese
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer