True partners work hand in hand. Today, in my capacity as President of the Australia Saudi Business Council & Forum and as a representative of the private sector, I had the pleasure of holding productive meetings in Riyadh. I was honoured to meet with Her Excellency Dr Eiman Al-Mutairi, Vice Minister of Commerce; His Excellency Rakan Tarabzoni, Vice Minister of Economy and Planning; My dear friend, His Excellency Fahad Al-Shebel, CEO of NUPCO. Our discussions reinforced the importance of maintaining momentum, strengthening collaboration and continuing to create opportunities between Australia and Saudi Arabia. Despite the challenges facing the region, business continues in the Kingdom. Vision 2030 remains in full effect, attracting global attention and driving a transformation that continues to create opportunities for the private sector.

A national ambition. A future without limits. Happy 96th Saudi National Day 🇸🇦

A pleasure to catch up with my good friend, The Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, at his chambers. Strong bipartisan support is essential to ensuring that Australia’s engagement with Saudi Arabia remains consistent, constructive and focused on our long-term national interests. I appreciate the Speaker’s continued interest in the bilateral relationship and his support for strengthening Australia’s international engagement.

It was a pleasure meeting with The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade. Minister Chanthivong has been a valued supporter of the Australia Saudi Business Council & Forum and of strengthening the growing bilateral relationship between New South Wales and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We had a productive discussion on the significant opportunities ahead for NSW and Saudi Arabia, particularly across trade, investment, agribusiness, mining, technology and innovation. As engagement between Australia and Saudi Arabia continues to grow, NSW has an important role to play in building stronger commercial ties, attracting investment and supporting Australian businesses seeking opportunities in the Kingdom. We greatly appreciate the Minister’s continued support of our Council and his commitment to advancing the NSW Saudi relationship.

With both Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrating the establishment of direct air connectivity, bilateral trade is entering a new era. The next chapter is investment. I had the pleasure of meeting with His Excellency Khaled Alkhattaf, CEO of the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority الهيئة السعودية لتسويق الاستثمار (SIPA), in Riyadh. Following the progress we have made in strengthening trade and connectivity between our two countries, investment represents an important next step in deepening the Australia-Saudi economic relationship. I look forward to working closely with SIPA as we enter this next chapter, focused on growing our respective investment footprints and creating tangible, long-term opportunities between Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

History has been made. 🇦🇺🇸🇦 Today, we witnessed a milestone that will forever be remembered in the history of Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For the first time ever, a @SaudiaCargo aircraft landed in Australia, marking the beginning of a new era in trade, investment and economic cooperation between our two nations. Just 46 days ago, on 9 June 2026, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with @AvalonAirportAU Melbourne to establish the Australia-Saudi Logistics Alliance (ASL). The Australia-Saudi Logistics Alliance was established by our Council as a strategic initiative to respond to the significant challenges facing Australian exporters and importers. Rising freight costs, limited cargo capacity and ongoing global supply chain disruptions were placing increasing pressure on Australian businesses and limiting opportunities for growth. ASL brought together government and industry with one clear objective, to create practical solutions that strengthen trade connectivity between Australia and Saudi Arabia, improve supply chain resilience, and support Australian exporters and importers. Just 46 days later, that vision became a reality. Today’s inaugural Saudia Cargo flight is more than the arrival of an aircraft. It represents a stronger trade corridor, greater opportunities for Australian exporters, increased investment, and a new chapter in the economic partnership between Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Watching this historic moment unfold, and seeing it recognised across Australia’s major media networks, was a proud reminder of what can be achieved when governments and industry unite behind a shared vision. Today, we didn’t just welcome a cargo flight, we opened the door to the future of Australia-Saudi Arabia trade.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Honourable Don Farell Farrell Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism at Parliament House in Canberra, alongside former Australian Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon. Following Minister Farrell’s successful visit to the Kingdom in January and his meeting with his counterpart, His Excellency Dr Majid AlQassabi, our Council has been working closely with Australian and Saudi government stakeholders on initiatives designed to strengthen direct trade between Australia and the Kingdom. With a population of more than 36 million and a strong appetite for premium Australian products, Saudi Arabia represents one of Australia’s most significant export opportunities. Establishing more direct trade channels reduces reliance on third-country logistics hubs, creates more resilient supply chains, and ensures trade flows directly between our two nations. Recent regional tensions have further reinforced the importance of building direct logistical connectivity between Australia and trusted partners such as Saudi Arabia. Direct trade not only strengthens supply chain resilience but also creates opportunities for Australian exporters to engage directly with Saudi importers, improve efficiency, reduce freight costs, and increase competitiveness in the market. Over recent months, our Council has engaged with Australian exporters across agriculture, food, healthcare, mining, manufacturing, and other key sectors that already export into the Middle East. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with industry recognising the significant benefits that direct connectivity will deliver. The commencement of direct air cargo services will represent the first step in establishing a dedicated Australia to Saudi logistics corridor. Beyond improving freight efficiency, it will strengthen bilateral trade, unlock new commercial opportunities for Australian businesses, and further position Saudi Arabia as Australia’s gateway to the Gulf and the wider Middle East under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda. I would like to thank and commend Minister Farrell for his leadership in advancing Australia’s trade agenda. Under his ministerial portfolio, Australia has strengthened trade relationships with partners across the globe, creating new opportunities for Australian exporters and supporting the continued growth of Australia’s international trade.

It was an honour to meet with the Hon. @MadeleineMHKing, Australia’s Minister for Resources, alongside our Council Ambassador and Former Australia Defence Minister, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon at Parliament House in Canberra today. Saudi Arabia’s mining sector has become one of the most significant pillars of Vision 2030, transforming the Kingdom into a global destination for investment, exploration, processing, and critical minerals development. This transformation has been driven by the outstanding leadership and vision of His Excellency @BAlkhorayef , Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, and His Excellency @KSAlmudaifer, Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, whose efforts have elevated the Kingdom’s mining sector onto the global stage. The impact of this growth continues to be reflected through the @FutureMineral Forum, which welcomed more than 400 Australian participants at the most recent forum, making Australia one of the largest international delegations in attendance. This momentum continues to build, with Team Australia now working towards its largest delegation and pavilion ever for Future Minerals Forum 2027, showcasing the depth of Australia’s mining, METS, technology, and investment capabilities and the growing partnership between our two nations. The meeting also reinforced the importance of continued engagement ahead of IMARC, ensuring stronger connections between industry leaders, investors, government representatives, and mining stakeholders from both nations. Our Council is also proud to be facilitating an upcoming ministerial webinar that will bring together Australian and Saudi leaders to further strengthen dialogue, promote collaboration, and create new opportunities across the resources and mining sectors ahead of both IMARC and Future Minerals Forum. The Australia-Saudi resources partnership continues to grow from strength to strength, creating tangible opportunities for industry, investment, and long-term cooperation between our two countries. Thank you Minister King for your time, support, and commitment to strengthening the resources relationship between Australia and Saudi Arabia. The future of cooperation between our two nations continues to grow from strength to strength.

We stand on the brink of a historic achievement between Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This initiative represents more than a new trade route; it strengthens the deep and longstanding relationship between our two nations by creating a direct corridor for trade, logistics, investment, and economic cooperation. This milestone would not have been possible without the commitment and collaboration of the many stakeholders we have worked alongside across government and the private sector. Their support, vision, and dedication have helped turn this ambition into reality. This past week, we celebrated the beginning of a new era in Australia-Saudi relations with my dear brother, His Excellency Mohammad Al-Abduljabbar, Acting Governor of GAFT. His leadership and commitment to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s global trade relationships have been an important factor in progressing this initiative and fostering greater economic cooperation between our two countries. This achievement reflects the shared ambition of both nations to build stronger commercial ties and create new opportunities for exporters, importers, freight operators, and investors. We extend our sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who have contributed to this achievement. Together, we look forward to building an even stronger future for the Australia-Saudi partnership and unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic growth for generations to come.

It was a pleasure meeting my dear friend His Excellency Mr Rakan Tarabzoni Deputy Minister of Economy and Planning of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The support and engagement of key stakeholders is critical to the success of the Australia Saudi Logistics Alliance (ASL Alliance), an initiative established by the Australia Saudi Business Council & Forum to strengthen the trade, cargo, and logistics corridor between Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are encouraged by the commitment of the Ministry of Economy and Planning to support this initiative and help provide the strategic framework required to facilitate greater two-way trade, investment, and freight connectivity between our nations. I look forward to continuing to work closely with our government and private sector partners across both Australia and Saudi Arabia to deliver this important initiative and unlock new opportunities for exporters, importers, freight operators, and investors in both markets. Together, we can build a stronger, more efficient trade corridor that benefits both economies for years to come.

I was honoured to sign the landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Chairman of the Wagner Group Mr John Wagner representing @WellcampAirport at the Australian Parliament House at the Speaker’s Chamber, witnessed by: Speaker of the House of Representatives, The Honourable @MiltonDickMP Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Honourable @MThistlethwaite Chair of Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence, Senator @Deborah_ONeill Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon. @tedobrienmp Federal Member for Wright, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Saudi Arabia, The Hon. @ScottBuchholzMP General Manager Australian Trade and Investment Commision Mr Jason Verspuay This MoU represents more than a partnership between two organisations. It reflects a bold vision for Australia's future as a globally connected logistics hub and reinforces the growing importance of strategic trade and freight connectivity between Australia and Saudi Arabia. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Wagner Group team, our government stakeholders, and all those who have supported the development of this initiative. We look forward to working together to create meaningful outcomes that strengthen bilateral trade, enhance supply chain resilience, and deliver long-term economic benefits for both nations.

Australia Welcomes Saudia Cargo We are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Melbourne Avalon Airport and the Australia Saudi Logistics Alliance (ASL Alliance), an initiative of the Australia Saudi Business Chambers. The ASL Alliance is a not-for-profit industry committee established to advocate for stronger freight and commercial connectivity between Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bringing together government stakeholders, airports, airlines, freight operators, importers, exporters, and industry leaders, the Alliance is focused on supporting practical initiatives that enhance supply chain resilience, facilitate market access, and deepen bilateral economic ties between both nations. This partnership marks an important step in building a more robust air corridor between Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, creating new opportunities for businesses, freight operators, and investors across both markets. We would like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of Melbourne Avalon Airport CEO Mr. Ari Suss and his team, whose vision for Melbourne Avalon Airport is helping position it as one of Australia’s most significant international gateways for commerce and economic growth. The airport’s commitment to innovation, connectivity, and global engagement aligns strongly with our shared objective of enhancing two-way trade between Australia and Saudi Arabia. As a key international gateway, Melbourne Avalon Airport is uniquely positioned to support direct air cargo services between the two countries, unlocking faster, more efficient access to one of the world’s fastest-growing markets and opening new pathways for Australian businesses. We look forward to working closely together to strengthen these connections and support the growth of direct freight and logistics services between our nations. A significant milestone for Australia-Saudi relations and the future of international commerce.

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with the President of GACA - General Authority of Civil Aviation His Excellency Abdulaziz Al Duailej in Riyadh, alongside H.E. Miles Armitage, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Ms. Bernadette Archibald, Australian Trade and Investment Commissioner. Australia and Saudi Arabia share strong common values and a genuine opportunity to deepen collaboration across trade, investment, innovation, tourism, food security, and supply chain resilience. As Vision 2030 continues to transform Saudi Arabia into a global hub for investment and innovation, stronger direct connectivity between Australia and the Kingdom will play an important role in unlocking greater commercial opportunities across both markets. Throughout recent regional challenges, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated resilience and stability, with its airspace continuing to operate as a reliable gateway for trade, logistics, and supply chain connectivity through the GCC and into global markets. I look forward to working closely with our stakeholders, federal and state representatives, and industry partners through the Saudi ANZUK initiative to strengthen genuine two-way trade and investment between Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC region. This initiative is not only about supporting Australian exporters entering the region, but also about creating stronger pathways for imports, investment, and commercial partnerships back into Australia. By improving connectivity and building more reliable supply chains, we have the opportunity to create long-term economic value and stronger trade relationships that benefit all sides across multiple sectors.

It was a privilege to meet with the Honourable Chris Bowen Australian Federal Minister of Climate Change and Energy in Canberra today, where I had the opportunity to provide a Saudi Arabia perspective on the evolving situation in the Middle East and its broader implications for global energy security and supply chains. In the current environment of heightened regional tensions, traditional energy corridors and supply routes are facing increasing pressure, with ripple effects being felt across global markets. On behalf of the Australia Saudi Business Chambers, I extend my sincere thanks to the Minister for his time and engagement.

It was a pleasure to meet Senator the Hon Don Farrell today in Canberra following his recent visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We discussed initiatives by the Australia-Saudi Business Chamber to increase bilateral trade and investment between our countries. With disruptions to traditional Middle East transport corridors, the Chamber will establish an emergency working committee to explore practical solutions to ensure supply chains remain resilient and that essential food and trade flows continue to support the broader Middle East. We look forward to working with industry and government to overcome current transport challenges and strengthen Australia-Saudi connectivity.