Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry cautions against suggestion to relocate Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem MEDIA RELEASE - 16th October 2018 The Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry regrets the comments made by Prime Minister Scott Morrison suggesting that the government may consider relocating Australia’s embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. President and National Chairman Mr Roland Jabbour OAM said, “Such comments run the risk of Australia losing credibility with not only our trading partners in the MENA region but also with our closest neighbours.” In response to Mr Morrison’s controversial suggestions, Mr Jabbour said, “It’s very important to recognise that such comments have the potential of negative consequences on multiple fronts.” “One should ask, how is this approach serving Australia’s national interests?” “Such suggestions only serve to escalate tensions and impact upon our reputation as a nation, globally and also regionally with our closest neighbours.” When asked whether Mr Morrison’s comments would have the potential to impact trade with the MENA region, Mr Jabbour said, “The real economic cost of this in actual trade dollars may indeed make an impact, it’s a very provocative comment, to suggest anything otherwise is a miscalculation. At best this can be interpreted as cultural incompetency.” Whilst the Chamber is not a political organisation, Mr Jabbour commented that, “Mr Morrison’s suggestion that his government would consider moving the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is potentially received as divisive and destabilising on a global scale.” “Such a move would be contrary to UN resolutions, it would undermine the potential for a two-state peaceful resolution which is supported by the international community.” Mr Jabbour reinforced the position of the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a business organisation and not a political body however, reiterated that these comments by Prime Minister Morrison are ‘unhelpful’. “These comments are divisive and unhelpful, they have the potential to have a detrimental impact on Australian business interests in our region and of course in the 22 nations of the Arab world, a region of significant importance particularly in terms of our international trade relations.” “Such comments are a blow to our diplomatic and trade relations and soft power efforts in building endearing and trusted relations across the MENA region and globally.” To arrange media interviews please contact: Jessica Swann National Secretariat Office of the President and National Chairman Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry M. 0456 991 158 |