Israel and Australia established full diplomatic relations in the early days of Israel statehood.
From that time until the end of 2002, Israel maintained an Embassy in Canberra and a Consulate-General in Sydney. In December 2002, the Embassy in Canberra became responsible for the whole of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Region.
Warm and friendly relations have long characterised the bilateral relations between Israel and Australia. The two countries share mutual values, and our common history goes back to the very early days of federation.
The relations between our two nations began during World War I, when hundreds of young Australians played a crucial role in the Allied forces' campaign in the Middle East.
Many Israelis still remember the pictures of those brave men - particularly the legendary Light Horse Brigade - which fought in the crucial battles for Gaza and Beer Sheva. Memorials in Jerusalem and military cemeteries are reminders of our mutual desire for shared democratic values, liberalism, freedom and human rights. The State of Israel will always be grateful to Australia for taking in thousands of Holocaust survivors following the Second World War.
Australia was also one of the first countries to recognise the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Ever since that time, it has shown a commitment to its peaceful existence.
The scope of cooperation between our two countries has always been wide. The import / export total reached US $400 million during 2003. Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce plays a part in accelerating the bilateral trade contacts between the two countries. Through technological experience, coordinated research, and information exchange, there is no doubt we can develop an ever-greater cooperation in the future. Israel looks forward to it.
Cultural exchange has developed quickly in the past few years. The Australia Israel Cultural Exchange (AICE) was established in 2003 by the then Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer. The Embassy of Israel Cultural Department also maintains strong support for the exchange of cultural. Many Israeli artists, directors, films, performers and writers have travelled to Australia in the past few years. World renowned performers such as the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra have performed in the Sydney Opera House along with a rejuvenated participation of Israeli films in Australian film festivals. Israeli writers regularly participate in writers festivals around Australia.
Reciprocal visits between Israel and Australia indicate the growing mutual interest and strength of relations between the two nations. The first bilateral political dialogue between the Foreign Ministries was held in September 2004. A subsequent dialogue was held in Canberra in 2008 in which the ongoing relationship was discussed with a view to extending it further.
In 2008, the relationship was cemented with an Australian parliamentary motion that commemorated Israel on its 60th Anniversary. This bipartisan motion celebrated the long relationship between Australia and Israel, highlighting the political, cultural and economic relationship between the two nations.
The relationship was further strengthened by first visit of an Australian Governor-General to Israel in May 2008. The visit my Major General Michael Jeffery coincided with Israel's 60th Anniversary celebrations and the dedication of a memorial statute and park in Beersheva. The monument celebrating Australia's Lighthorse Brigade participation in World War I was dedicated by the Pratt Foundation, along with a park specially designed for children with disabilities.
As peoples, Israelis and Australians share common values. These values are well manifested in the overall span of our bilateral relations.