Address to the House of Representatives, Statements by Members

Thursday 15 August 2024

In the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, Australia and a raft of nations passed a resolution designating 30 July as the International Day of Friendship. This resolution extended an invitation to all member states and organisations to recognise the power, importance and relevance of friendship, highlighting the indisputable role friendship plays in bringing people together around the world. The resolution served as a reminder that we cannot have peace and prosperity among nations without having leaders and citizens who are willing to be friends. We know that friendship inspires peace, and with global peace we can bridge divides and build a better future for all.

Earlier this week, I was privileged to join with my friend Armando Galte, the head of mission at the Embassy of Paraguay, to host an event at Parliament House to recognise the day, bringing together representatives of over 56 countries, along with members and senators. We must continue to commit ourselves to friendship and recognise the powerful role that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals has in building trust and contributing to long-term peace and stability. Never could there be a more important time to do so.