Arabic version: ألبانيزي يترك قرار صورة «أبيك» مفتوحاً
According to ABC News, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not ruled out appearing in a leaders’ group photograph with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China later this week. Albanese, who has described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “illegal and immoral”, said in Manila that he would respect and consider the wishes of China as host country.
Putin’s expected attendance at APEC has created a diplomatic challenge for leaders attending the meeting. Albanese is travelling from the Association of South-East Asian Nations summit in the Philippines to Shenzhen for APEC on Wednesday. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated he would join the traditional photograph out of respect for China, while other leaders had not publicly set out their positions.
Albanese also welcomed the prospect of talks involving Putin, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of APEC. He said dialogue was positive and that Australia wanted a constructive result, including a de-escalation of conflicts around the world. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has compared the proposed meeting to a “Yalta 2.0” moment.
The prime minister said Australia would continue engaging with the United States and China while supporting Ukraine and the international rule of law. He played down the prospect of a direct interaction with Putin, but said Australia’s position would be clear if they were in the same room. Albanese described Russia as “a bigger country being a bully in contravention of international law.”
During the Manila visit, Albanese witnessed the signing of a new defence cooperation arrangement between Australia and the Philippines. Australia will make an additional investment in maritime-security capabilities, including drone technology, equipment and training intended to improve threat detection. Albanese said the agreement was not aimed at any one country and confirmed Australia would continue freedom-of-navigation activities in the region.
