Press release

Foreign Secretary arrives in Sydney for AUKMIN 2017

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson arrives in Australia to attend the annual meeting of UK and Australian Foreign and Defence Ministers.

From:
Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Boris Johnson
Published
25 July 2017
Foreign Secretary and Australia PM

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson arrives in Australia today (Tuesday 25 July 2017) to attend AUKMIN, the annual meeting of UK and Australian Foreign and Defence Ministers, which will take place on Thursday. The Secretaries of State will discuss regional security and defence, East Asia, the future of Europe, terrorism and promoting our common values.

During the visit he will also:

  • meet with Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop, to discuss the bilateral relationship, cyber security and the Commonwealth

  • deliver the Lowy Institute’s annual Lowy Lecture on Thursday evening, speaking about the UK-Australia relationship, Britain in Asia and Britain in the world

  • take a tour of the Sydney Opera House, and meet with representatives of UK company Laing O’Rourke, who are currently refurbishing the Opera House

  • visit the Tyro Fintech hub, to promote collaboration between the UK and Australian fintech sectors

  • meet with the leaders of top UK investors in Australia, and with major Australian investors in the UK to discuss UK-Australia trade and business opportunities

The Foreign Secretary said:

The bonds of kinship between Britain and Australia are deep and enduring. It is fantastic to be back in Australia, my first time as Foreign Secretary. Our relationship is based on shared history, interests and values, with large numbers of our nationals making each other’s countries home.

I look forward to strengthening even further our partnerships on global challenges and opportunities, such as North Korea, the fight against extremism and terror, modern slavery and trade. Talks with businesses and government on boosting trade between us when we leave the EU will also be at the top of agenda. I can’t wait to catch up with old friends and to make new ones.

Read the Foreign Secretary’s speech at the Lowy Institute.

The Foreign Secretary’s visit to Australia is the last stop in a 3 country trip. He held 2 days of positive talks in Japan last week, before moving on to New Zealand and finally Australia.

Further information

Published 25 July 2017

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