HE GCCSG Discusses Ways to Enhance Gulf-Australian Relations with Australia’s Minister for International Development, Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs

His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Her Excellency Dr Anne Aly, Australia’s Minister for International Development, Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, today, Saturday, November 1, 2025, in the Bahraini capital, Manama. The meeting was held on the sidelines of His Excellency’s participation in the 21st Manama Dialogue.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency  the GCC Secretary General praised the distinguished relations between the GCC states and Australia and the keenness of both sides to enhance and develop them in areas of common interest.

A number of topics of common interest were also discussed, most notably the progress on the adoption of the 3rd Joint Action Plan between the two sides, which reflects the commitment of both parties to strengthening their strategic partnership towards broader horizons. Additionally, they reviewed the negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC and Australia.