MPs attend Australia Israel UK leadership dialogue

Bill Shorten, Tony Abbott and fellow MPs catch up for a jog ahead of the Australia Israel UK leadership dialogue.

Australian Federal MPs have descended on Israel to meet with leaders and discuss economic opportunities.

Trade Minister Steve Ciobo is leading the Australian delegation to the Australia Israel UK leadership dialogue this weekend, holding bilateral meetings with senior Israeli ministers to expand trade and economic links.

Also attending the dialogue are former prime minister Tony Abbott, Victorian Liberal MP Tim Smith, Federal Labor leader Bill Shorten and Opposition defence spokesman Richard Marles, who enjoyed an early morning jog around Jerusalem.

Peace in the Middle East. @billshortenmp @TonyAbbottMHR @TimSmithMP Australia Israel UK Leadership Dialogue #auspol pic.twitter.com/prw3GtZRqw

— Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) December 18, 2016

Not the usual running company, but turns out @RichardMarlesMP is OK https://t.co/j7H7l9QiIM

— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) December 18, 2016

Mr Ciobo will also meet with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah to discuss opportunities for bilateral economic links.

“Australia and Israel enjoy a deep friendship, underpinned by historical ties and shared values, reinforced by the contribution of our Jewish community to Australia’s social, cultural and economic profile,’’ Mr Ciobo said.

“The Dialogue will be an opportunity to reaffirm these ties and discuss our common interests in peace and prosperity. In addition to participating in the Dialogue, I look forward to holding bilateral meetings with senior Israeli Ministers.

“Australia is keen to expand bilateral trade and economic links and co-operation with Israel, particularly on innovation and technology.

“We are working on initiatives to strengthen the economic relationship, including the innovation ‘Landing Pad’ in Tel Aviv, treaties for co-operation on innovation, science and research and a double taxation agreement.

“I will also visit the Palestinian Territories to meet Prime Minister Hamdallah and National Economy Minister Odeh to discuss the economic development of the Palestinian Territories and opportunities for bilateral economic links.’’

Mr Shorten, who is being accompanied by his wife Chloe, will also visit the Palestinian city of Ramallah.

In a statement Mr Shorten said: “The annual Dialogue brings together political leaders from both sides of politics – as well as business, media and community leaders – to discuss the challenges specific to the region, and the challenges we share in our own parts of the world.

“Israel is a longstanding and close friend of Australia. Through decades of conflict and peace, economic challenges and prosperity, Australia and Israel have stood together.’’

The Dialogue includes discussions with Israeli parliamentarians and officials, Palestinian leaders, meetings with local technology start-ups, and symposiums on the future of the Middle East.

With AAP