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Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
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Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles stressed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Australia, noting that the Kingdom stands as Australia's second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.

In a statement issued by his office, Marles indicated that his visit to the Kingdom and the UAE seeks to enhance collaborative efforts within the G20 and other multilateral institutions and aims to emphasize the unwavering commitment to a rules-based international order.

The statement further emphasized that the Kingdom is a crucial partner for Australia and that the visit presents an opportunity to broaden economic ties and explore avenues for deeper cooperation with regional leaders.

Marles said that this visit underscores Australia's commitment to fortifying economic and diplomatic ties with the Kingdom, recognizing its crucial role as a partner in addressing shared global challenges.

Marles met with Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh on Wednesday.

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Int’l Forum in Riyadh Discusses Digital Diplomacy

Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)
Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)
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Int’l Forum in Riyadh Discusses Digital Diplomacy

Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)
Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), hosted the 4th Diplomatic Connect event on December 17th at the GCC headquarters in Riyadh.
Bringing together ministers, ambassadors, private sector and representatives from DCO Member States, the platform for dialogue and cooperation explored tech diplomacy as a vital tool for engaging stakeholders.
Participants included Jasem Albudaiwi, GCC Secretary-General; Deemah AlYahya, DCO Secretary-General; and ministerial representatives from the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) attendees.
The event featured a keynote presentation titled “Global Tech Diplomacy Forecast – Key Influences on 2025” delivered by Martin Rauchbauer, Co-founder of Tech Diplomacy Network, which examined geopolitics shaping tech regulation, innovation priorities, and international relations.
The event continued with an engaging panel discussion that explored the role of tech diplomacy and multilateralism in promoting a safe, resilient, and prosperous digital economy.
In his welcome remarks, Albudaiwi stated: “The DCO Diplomatic Connect is a strategic platform for the GCC to demonstrate its leadership in digital innovation and international collaboration.”
“By showcasing our commitment to advancing the digital economy, the GCC acts as a key player in shaping the future of global economic transformation. This aligns with the region’s broader goals of economic growth and diversification,” he added.
On her part, AlYahya said: “Digital technologies are at the heart of future economic opportunities. The DCO Diplomatic Connect underscores the role of tech diplomacy and the importance of collective action in harnessing the full potential of the digital economy and driving digital transformation.”
“By bringing stakeholders together, we not only strengthen understanding among our Member States and international organizations on the need for tech diplomacy, but also advocate for social inclusion within the digital economy, that includes women empowerment and marginalized communities,” she affirmed.
Rauchbauer said: “Amidst a polycrisis demanding collaborative solutions, new technologies hold the key to addressing our greatest global challenges. The DCO Diplomatic Connect underscores the pivotal role of tech diplomacy in shaping a future where diplomacy and technology are inseparable.”.
The Diplomatic Connect brings together ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, thought leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in thought-provoking conversations about digital diplomacy, aiming to underscore its importance in international relations. It also explores inventive approaches to diplomacy, leveraging the latest technological advances, digital tools, and data-driven insights to bolster diplomatic efforts.