Foreign Minister Deals with the Tricky State Visit
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has emphasized the fact that there has been a lot of public interest in the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia, although she strongly defended the decision of the government to go through with the invitation. In a statement directed at the criticism which had increased considerably, Wong underlined that the invitation was given after calls from Jewish community leaders who consider the visit to be a strong need for bilateral solidarity.
This visit was the main target of the backlash of some community groups and politicians which called for the rescheduling of the invitation. President Herzog is scheduled to visit Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney next week in a trip that has sparked a vocal backlash from various community groups and political factions. Critics have called for the invitation to be rescinded, citing concerns over recent policies and actions by the Israeli government. His agenda will include meetings with high-ranking Australian officials and events with the Jewish community.
Wong asked those who disapproved to take the larger diplomatic framework into account. She reminded them that the very fact that Israel’s head of state is visiting means that the whole diplomatic activity is taking place according to international standards which countries adhere to. The Foreign Minister reminded that building relationships with other countries, even when their views on some matters differ, is one of the key principles of Australia’s foreign policy.
The remarks of the minister are made in a situation where tensions are higher and society is deeply polarized. She made a clear statement that she knows very well the feelings of the public, that she understands very well the real concerns and the significant feelings that the visit has awoken.
The security measures taken are substantial with the expectation of stirs of protests in some of the places. There are community leaders who are against the visit that condemns it as an unwise endorsement at the time when the issues are sensitive but there are also a lot of them who believe that this meeting is a symbol of the long bond between the two countries. However, the government insists the visit will be held as planned and will be intended as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to a two-state solution and to open a dialogue on peace and stability avenues with a significant representative.
With just a few days left, the diplomatic obligations and domestic sensitivities are under the spotlight. The minister accepted that the diplomatic balancing act between these two areas is the main problem in today’s politics.
Source: The Guardian
