Penny Wong holds meeting with Israeli Foreign Minster Eli Cohen
Top diplomats discuss trade, Abraham Accords, IHRA definition, Israeli embassy says; Wong reiterates 'wish to see a just and enduring two-state solution'
Foreign minister Senator Penny Wong has met her Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
The Embassy of Israel in Canberra said the two foreign ministers discussed the “enormous potential” in Israel-Australia relations and strengthening trade between the countries.
“They also spoke about the positive changes in the Middle East since the signing of the Abraham Accords, and the possibility of expanding the circle of peace,” the embassy said.
“FM Cohen thanked FM Wong for the Australian government’s decision to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance – IHRA definition of antisemitism and for her warm relationship with the Jewish community.”
According to AAP, Wong told reporters the meeting was “positive” and “constructive”.
Obviously, I reiterated Australia’s friendship with Israel, I reiterated our long standing position that we wish to see a just and enduring two-state solution,” she said.
“We believe that’s in the interests of both Israeli and Palestinian peoples.
“We’ve expressed publicly our concern about some of the developments in Israel, but it was a very constructive and cordial meeting.”
Last month, the federal government announced that it refer to all of the West Bank, including east Jerusalem, as well as Gaza, as “Occupied Palestinian Territory” and all Israeli settlements as “illegal”.
It follows the government reversing Australia’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital a year ago.
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