Foreign minister Penny Wong has again defended Israel’s president’s visit as Germany’s top diplomat outlined legal and trade positions.
Speaking alongside German foreign minister Johann Wadephul, Wong said Isaac Herzog was visiting to support the Jewish community after the Bondi terror attack.
She rejected calls from former human rights commissioner Chris Sidoti for Herzog to be arrested, repeating her earlier position on the purpose of the visit.
Wadephul said Germany, for historical reasons, felt a consistent responsibility while remaining bound by international law.
He also flagged closer cooperation with Australia on essential raw materials, describing supply chain security as an “existential” economic question.
Wong said Australia hoped to conclude an EU–Australia free trade agreement in the near future and reiterated Canberra’s approach to China as a major trading partner.
