Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accepted the invitation to attend this year’s NATO leaders’ summit after reports that he would skip the event.
A spokesperson for the prime minister’s office said Australia “shared a commitment to supporting democracy, peace and security, and upholding the rule of law” with NATO nations.
“The prime minister’s attendance at this year’s NATO leaders’ summit will be an important opportunity to reinforce Australia’s support for these global norms, demonstrate solidarity in response to Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, and advocate for Australia’s economic, climate and trade agenda,” the spokesperson said.
The meeting, to be held in Lithuania on July 11 to 12, will centre around support for Ukraine’s war efforts against Russia.
Media had speculated that Albanese would not attend the event, which he did not immediately refute.
This drew widespread criticism calling on the prime minister to attend the summit, including opposition spokesman for foreign affairs, Simon Birmingham, who called the reports “concerning.”
“The commentary from President Macron’s visit to China reinforces why it’s so important to seize security-oriented opportunities to maintain European understanding of the strategic challenges in our region.”
Albanese later said on April 17 that he would give the invitation “consideration” and that, subject to logistical arrangements, he would be “very pleased to accept the invitation.”
He added that he had discussed the invitation with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who confirmed his attendance at the summit the next day.
Albanese attended last year’s summit in Madrid.
In addition to Australia and New Zealand, Japan and South Korea have also been invited to attend.
It is the second year in a row the leaders of the four nations, dubbed the “AP4” or NATO’s Asia-Pacific partners, have received invitations to the leader’s summit, an indication of the military alliance’s pivot to the security of the Indo-Pacific region, particularly against the threat of the Chinese regime.
More Support for Ukraine
It comes after the Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, said he would like to see more military aid coming from Australia.“Australian support for Ukraine is essential. We really appreciate what has been provided so far, but we can’t win without your support.”
The ambassador went on to say that Ukraine needs constant, consistent, and comprehensive support.
“Our fight is not about [fighting] for as long as it takes; our fight is ensuring that we can win as soon as possible,” he said.
Australia has provided $582 million (US$390 million) of humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine, including 90 Bushmaster vehicles which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised for their masterful performance in helping drive back Russian forces from the Kharkiv region in north-eastern Ukraine.
