Penny Wong confirms plans to meet with Chinese counterpart in New York are being ‘finalised’

 

Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba on Tuesday local time, where she reaffirmed Australia’s support for the country, which was invaded by Russia in February.

Senator Wong said the war in Europe had “cast a shadow” over the annual meeting of the institution set up to ensure world peace in the wake of World War II.

“We all have an interest in the UN Charter being observed,” she said.

“That’s not an issue of wealthier countries or less wealthy countries, not an issue of developed or developing countries.

“All countries have an interest in territorial integrity being respected and the UN Charter being respected.”

On Twitter, Mr Kuleba confirmed Ukraine has requested more Bushmasters from Australia.

“There is always more we could do, and the government will continue to look at ways we can support the people of Ukraine,” Senator Wong said, stopping short of pledging further military aid.

The comments made on the sidelines of the gathering ahead of Australia’s national statement — which Senator Wong will deliver later in the week — demonstrate the delicate diplomacy at play.

The ABC has already confirmed officials are currently negotiating a separate meeting between Senator Wong and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as Australia and China try to normalise a strained relationship.

It will be the second meeting between the two ministers in the last 12 weeks.”I have made clear that we are open to engagement,” Senator Wong said.”I understand those arrangements are being finalised.”And if they are finalised, then I’m sure that we will have a productive engagement.”

One federal government source told the ABC on Wednesday morning that the meeting was another “positive sign” that China remained keen to pursue high level engagement with Australia, but stressed that there were still “big obstacles” to a full reset in the bilateral relationship.

The Defence Minister Richard Marles said the government had opted for a new “tone” with China but that Australia wouldn’t abandon its core national interests while holding the talks.

“What we are trying to do is stabilise the relationship with China. We’ve been trying to do that since the moment we came to power,” he told RN Breakfast.

“If a meeting does take place we can see it in the context of seeking to have that stabilisation take place.”