16 May 1995

JOINT COMMUNIQUE

EUROPEAN COMMISSION/AUSTRALIA MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIONS

On 15 May 1995, the Twelfth European Commission (EC)/Australia Ministerial Consultations - led by EC Vice President, Sir Leon Brittan and Australian Trade Minister, Senator Bob McMullan - took place in Brussels.

EC Agriculture Commissioner, Franz Fischler, also took part in the talks.

Senator McMullan had a separate meeting with EC Competition Commissioner, Karel van Miert, earlier in the day.

The major outcome of the talks was the decision to begin work on shaping a new partnership between Australia and the European Union (EU). The EU's reassessment of its Asia-Pacific strategy and Australia's growing European interests indicate the need for a more structured and modern relationship, oriented towards the challenges of the 21st century.

International issues discussed:

. The WTO and the future international trading system

. Relations with the Asia-Pacific region

. Relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the NIS, the Mediterranean and Mercosur

. Major developments in respective bilateral relationships.

Bilateral cooperation issues discussed:

. Growth, competitiveness and employment

. The Science and Technology Agreement

. The Joint Group on Industrial Cooperation

. Negotiations on a Mutual Recognition Agreement

. Environment Cooperation

. Development Assistance.

Subjects on which it was agreed that new means of cooperation will be developed:

. Competition policy

. Education and training

. Customs

. Information Society.

Other trade issues of mutual interest, particularly agriculture, were discussed.

Agriculture discussions covered Australian concerns over arrangements for access for dairy products, wheat, oats, seeds, beef and sheepmeat. Also discussed were positive developments for trade in wine, and the ongoing negotiation of a veterinary agreement consistent with the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement.

Senator McMullan and Vice President Brittan concluded that the talks had been productive and contributed substantially to the development of a new and broader EU/Australia relationship. They agreed to meet again next year in Australia.

Further information: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420

Bob McMullan Minister for Trade

Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600 Tel: (06) 277 7420 Fax: (06) 273 4128