Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy Visits Australia to Strengthen Strategic Partnership and Bilateral Cooperation

Canberra, The Gulf Observer: Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy conducted an official visit to Australia from 26–27 May 2026 aimed at further enhancing bilateral relations and discussing areas of mutual interest between the two countries.

During the visit, Anthony Albanese welcomed Al Hashimy and expressed appreciation for the strategic partnership between the UAE and Australia, reaffirming his country’s commitment to the UAE and its people.

Al Hashimy also met with Richard Marles following his recent visit to the UAE on 16 May 2026 and his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation, investment, defence collaboration, and broader bilateral relations.

The two sides exchanged views on the latest regional developments, including the repercussions of Iran’s missile attacks on regional security and stability and their impact on the global economy and energy security. Al Hashimy stressed the importance of achieving a comprehensive resolution to the conflict that addresses Iran’s nuclear capabilities, missiles, drones, proxy networks, and disruptions to international maritime routes.

She reaffirmed the UAE’s resilience in the face of regional challenges and praised the strength of the UAE–Australia strategic partnership. Al Hashimy also expressed appreciation for Australia’s defence support, describing it as a reflection of the longstanding friendship, mutual trust, and close cooperation between the two countries.

Highlighting the UAE’s diverse society, she commended the unity and solidarity demonstrated across the UAE community, noting that the country is home to more than 200 nationalities, including an Australian community of over 30,000 residents.

As part of the visit, Al Hashimy met with Don Farrell and praised the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in November 2024. She noted that the agreement contributed to more than 35 percent growth in bilateral trade, which increased from USD 4.2 billion in 2024 to USD 5.8 billion in 2025.

Al Hashimy emphasised that the agreement continues to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment, while highlighting the UAE’s broader strategy of expanding international economic cooperation through its growing network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, with 36 CEPAs signed to date.

The UAE minister also held meetings with Chris Bowen, Anne Aly, and Matt Thistlethwaite. Discussions focused on humanitarian and development assistance, regional peace efforts, climate cooperation, and energy and water security.

During the meetings, Al Hashimy stressed the urgency of intensifying international cooperation to address global water security challenges, underlining the close links between water resources, food security, energy, and environmental sustainability.

Al Hashimy also delivered remarks at Asia Society’s “The Bigger Picture” event series, attended by policymakers and business leaders, where she outlined the UAE’s approach to economic partnership, regional stability, and international cooperation.

At the conclusion of the visit, Al Hashimy reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between the UAE and Australia, expressing optimism for deeper cooperation across shared priorities including security, economic growth, and regional stability.

The UAE delegation included Dr. Fahad Al Taffaq and officials from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.