Canada hails Albanese's election victory as Australian Prime Minister

By Oluwaseun Sonde

The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau on Government behalf, has congratulated Anthony Albanese on his election victory as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia.

Trudeau who issued this statement on Saturday, 20th May 2022, following the results of the general election in Australia, said as the new Australian government takes shape, he look forward to working with Prime Minister-elect Albanese to deepen relations between the two countries to benefit Canadians and Australians alike.

Anthony Albanese and his opposition Labor Party ended nine years of conservative government in Australia on Saturday, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded defeat of the coalition he led.

According to Trudeau, "Canada and Australia enjoy a productive trade relationship and a strong friendship, built on deep people-to-people ties, common values, and shared priorities.

"On the world stage, we collaborate closely within the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the G20, the World Trade Organization, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and the Five Eyes partnership.

"Australia is the fifth largest global destination for Canadian direct investment abroad and our biggest defence partner in the Indo-Pacific region".

Adding that, “Together, we will continue to work on the issues that matter most to people in both countries.

"This includes ensuring a strong economic recovery from COVID-19, continuing the fight against climate change, and enhancing peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the world particularly in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

"We will also continue promoting free and open trade, helping businesses succeed, and creating good middle-class jobs through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership", he said.

The Prime Minister stated that as the Canadian Government continues the work to develop new, comprehensive Indo-Pacific strategy.

"We will keep strengthening our partnership with Australia while creating economic growth and new opportunities for people on both sides of the Pacific.

Trudeau thanked former Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his valuable partnership over the years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.