Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his first international engagements since being re-elected.
Following successful meetings with President Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia, the Prime Minister joined Catholics and world leaders at the Vatican to represent Australia at the Papal Inauguration of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.
Prime Minister Albanese had the honour of a private audience with His Holiness to mark this momentous occasion for Catholics around the world and for those of faith in Australia.
Prime Minister Albanese formally invited His Holiness to Australia for the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney in 2028.
Prime Minister Albanese met a range of other world leaders including President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, as well as having a number of informal discussions with world leaders.
Prime Minister Albanese also met Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong during a stopover in Singapore on the way back to Australia.
The two Prime Ministers shared their perspectives on the regional and global outlook, and recommitted themselves to a substantive upgrade of the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
"I was so pleased to again make Indonesia my first bilateral leaders' meeting after the election.
"I am proud of the enduring friendship between our two nations and look forward to working closely with my friend President Prabowo on our shared priorities across security and defence, trade and investment and more.
"It was an honour to represent Australia at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
"His Holiness' message about peace and social justice is one that resonates not only with Catholics, but with everybody around the world.
"It was good to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
"We reiterated our shared commitment to concluding a free trade agreement which delivers real benefit for the economies of Australia and Europe.
"I assured President Zelenskyy of Australia's ongoing and steadfast support for Ukraine. Australia will continue to stand by Ukraine.
"During the stopover in Singapore, I met Prime Minister Wong following both countries' recent elections.
"Australia's prosperity and economic future are linked with Southeast Asia.
"I look forward to further discussing with Prime Minister Wong my Government's focus on expanding Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership during our Annual Leaders' Meeting later this year."
