Where We Live – Scott Morrison’s Asialink Address On Foreign Policy

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has delivered a major speech on foreign policy, emphasising the important of the rule-based trading system and free trade.

Morrison

Morrison emphasised Australia’s willingness to engage in the Indo-Pacific region. He stressed the importance of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), whilst maintaining the relevance of the Australia, New Zealand, United States (ANZUS) alliance.

Morrison warned of “gathering clouds in the global economy”. He said a worsening trading relationship between China and the United States “is not inevitable”.

“We embrace free trade, global engagement and an international system where we agree rules, stick to them and honour our commitments,” Morrison said.

Watch Morrison’s speech (34m):

Listen to Morrison (34m):

Transcript of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s “Where We Live” Address to Asialink-Bloomberg.

PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON: Thank you to Asialink and Bloomberg for the opportunity to address you here today prior to my attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Osaka this weekend.

Today I want to talk about our plan to foster an open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific, consistent with our national interests.

I would like to set out the principles, consistent with our national values, that will guide my Government’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. [Read more…]


Turnbull Meets With Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have held a press briefing, following their talks in Sydney.

Abe

The two leaders spoke of their commitment to free trade and open markets. Turnbull said that both countries are committed to the Trans Pacific Partnership because “protectionism is not a ladder to get us out of the low growth trap, rather a shovel to dig us deeper into it”.

Abe said: “To ensure free and open international order based on the rule of law, our bilateral cooperation and trilateral cooperation with the United States is of course important.”

  • Listen to the Turnbull-Abe press briefing (21m)
  • Watch the press briefing (21m)

Transcript of remarks by PM Turnbull and PM Abe, in Sydney.

TURNBULL: Welcome, Prime Minister, it is wonderful to be hosting you and your party here in Sydney.

We’ve already had a very good constructive discussion this morning as we walked around beautiful South Head. [Read more…]


Labor’s Foreign Policy: Tanya Plibersek Speech To Lowy Institute

The Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tanya Plibersek, has addressed the Lowy Institute on the ALP’s approach to foreign policy.

Plibersek’s theme was Australia’s national interest and good international citizenship.

Her speech dealt with Australia’s role in the Asian region, the ANZUS alliance, engagement with international forums, and foreign aid.

  • Listen to Plibersek (55m)
  • Watch Plibersek (56m)

Transcript of ALP Shadow Foreign Minister Tanya Plibersek’s speech to the Lowy Institute. [Read more…]


Abbott Calls For Independent Investigation Of MH17; Foreign Minister Off To UN To Co-Ordinate Campaign

The Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, has dispatched the Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, to the United Nations to co-ordinate Australia’s demand for a full and fearless investigation into the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.

Abbott

Speaking at a press conference, Abbott and Bishop said a binding United Nations Security Council resolution was needed to ensure that an independent and impartial investigation takes place.

Abbott said a proper investigation “is a matter of the utmost gravity for us and others”. He said 298 innocent people have been killed, “people who had no part in the conflict in Europe but whose lives were snuffed out”. [Read more…]