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Press Release: Foreign Minister Outlines Future Diplomatic Direction

The Australian Institute of International Affairs has welcomed an address outlining the future of Australian diplomacy, in an address to its National Conference by the Foreign Minister, the Hon. Julie Bishop this morning.

Ms Bishop told over 350 delegates at the Conference in Canberra that the Government had overhauled its diplomatic agenda to focus on economic diplomacy.

She told the conference that Australian diplomats were using their resources, networks and connections to promote trade and investment.

Ms Bishop said that an open, export oriented market economy and Australia’s standard of living depended on the ability and capacity of Australia’s economy to enhance old markets and find new markets.

The AIIA welcomed Ms Bishop’s comments on recent trade agreements, including the conclusion of the Trans Pacific Partnership, which she described as the biggest trade agreement in 20 years.

She described the TPP, and the free trade agreements with South Korea, Japan and China as “game changers”, which would spur growth and give Australian exporters the opportunity to further diversify and expand into the region.

The AIIA National Conference heard the Minister also discuss the shifting power balance between China, Japan, and the United States, and China’s strength and naval capabilities in the South China Sea.

The Foreign Minister said that two thirds of Australia’s trade passed through the South China Sea maritime zone, and Australia had urged restraint and peaceful negotiation as a means to resolve disputes.

Contact Details

Niree Creed, Director of Communications AIIA
0418625595

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