00:01In exclusive comments to Euronews, the Australian government has responded to European Parliament President Robert Armetzola's hint that Australia and
00:10New Zealand could also be invited to be associate members of the European Union.
00:14While the Australian government spokesperson stressed that the country's relationship with the EU has never been stronger or more important,
00:22they said the country is focusing on finalising the EU-Australia trade deal, which was concluded last March in order
00:29to bring the two even closer together.
00:32The Australian government added that the deal is a once-in-a-generation agreement that gives its farmers, exporters, producers
00:39and businesses access to 27 EU member countries and 450 million consumers.
00:46Meanwhile, the New Zealand government also responded to reports of itself being invited to become an associate member of the
00:53EU, clarifying in comments to Reuters that there have been no discussions for it to join.
Comments