Penny Wong says the US-Iran ceasefire is fragile but must hold for the sake of the world economy and energy markets.
Speaking on ABC’s 7.30, the foreign affairs minister said there were obvious differences between the two parties but the potential downsides to the truce failing meant it was imperative that it worked.
double quotation markThis ceasefire is fragile, there’s no doubt about that. The ceasefire is fragile but the world does need it to hold. There are obviously substantial points of difference between the parties. But I think we all know that the damage that is happening to the global economy, to global energy markets, means that the world does need this ceasefire to hold.
Asked about whether Australia was on top of its fuel supplies problems, she said the gap in supply still had to be managed, noting Albanese’s trip to Singapore and her own contacts with governments in the region.
double quotation markAnd you know, I spoke early on to Singapore, to Korea, to Malaysia, the prime minister, as you said, is going to Singapore, we’ve seen one announcement already and we will continue to work with them. I spoke to the Japanese foreign minister just before this interview, we want to keep engaging with our counterparts, because this is a very large shock to global energy markets, and one that will continue to have an effect.
And asked if the war had achieved its aims, she said:
double quotation markI can understand people being really concerned about what is happening on global markets and what has happened in the Middle East, and the way this has escalated, which is why we have been saying for some time, it’s time for de-escalation.
