Ottawa, Ontario - 20 August 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke yesterday with Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia. Their discussion centered on international peace and security issues. With regard to the situation in Iraq, there was a shared sense of the need to respond to the barbaric actions of the terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Both underlined the importance of providing support to the Iraqi people, including through humanitarian assistance. Prime Minister Harper indicated that Canada stands ready to offer additional support, working with allies, to counter the current crisis.
Prime Minister Harper and Prime Minister Abbott also discussed the situation in Ukraine. Prime Minister Harper reiterated his condolences to Prime Minister Abbott for the victims of flight MH17. Both leaders agreed that those responsible for this crime must be brought to justice. They also expressed a shared interest in supporting the people of Ukraine during this difficult period.
The prime ministers underlined the importance of staying in close touch on these and other issues of common concern. Prime Minister Harper will travel to Australia later this year for the G-20 Summit in Brisbane.
