Brussels: The EU and Australia announced a free trade agreement and the adoption of a security and defense partnership to enhance cooperation in the maritime and cyber security fields. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that after a decade of efforts, the two sides have successfully concluded the trade agreement, marking it as a win for both parties.

According to Qatar News Agency, Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the close alignment between the EU and Australia, despite the geographical distance, emphasizing their shared worldview and readiness to collaborate amid global challenges. She remarked on the long-standing alliance between the two and the inseparability of Europe's security and Indo-Pacific stability.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed the significance of the agreement, stating that it marks a pivotal moment for Australia as it secures an agreement with the world's second-largest economy.