Overview

• In Abu Dhabi, Anthony Albanese met UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to compare positions on Gaza, expressing hope for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and increased aid after Australia’s recognition of Palestine at the UN.
• The Australia–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement begins on October 1, cutting most tariffs and, once fully implemented, is expected to save Australian exporters up to $204 million a year in Australia’s first Middle East trade deal.
• At a Lulu Hypermarket, Albanese said he invited chairman Yusuff Ali to bring the chain to Australia to increase competition with Coles and Woolworths, noting Lulu’s existing sales of Australian products across the Middle East and Asia.
• During meetings in London, Albanese and UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed AUKUS and agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals and critical technologies across the defence sector.
• Albanese’s speech at the UK Labour Party conference, delivered at Starmer’s invitation, drew criticism from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who called the appearance unacceptable and accused him of partisanship.