Pm Launches Leadership Forum

PM Launches Leadership Forum

The Australia Israel Leadership Forum will be launched by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at a lunch in Sydney today.

The Prime Minister will also hold private discussions with Israel's Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom.

Today's Leadership Forum at Sydney's Westin Hotel will also be attended by the new Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who will address the 700 delegates and guests.

Late last night Mr Shalom said he was looking forward to discussing Australia's support for the state of Israel.

"Australia has demonstrated bi-partisan support for Israel, but we would like to deepen the relationship in areas such as trade, culture and regional security," he said.

"Israel is particularly grateful to Australia for its support in the UN and other international forums."

However, Mr Shalom also said he wanted to reinforce to Australia that Israel was determined not to allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

"Israel will never tolerate Iran as a nuclear super-power," he said.

The Australia Israel Leadership Forum began last June with a visit to Israel by Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and is intended to foster relations at senior levels between the two countries.

The current Australian leg of the Forum will be attended by 35 prominent Israeli politicians, academics and media figures.

For further information please contact:
Tom Skotnicki: 0419 581 874
Gerard McManus: 0402 309 993

Source: Australia Israel Leadership Forum