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Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab arrives in Canberra to begin tour of the Asia-Pacific region.
Foreign Secretary visits Australia to strengthen enduring partnership between the 2 countries
Current trade between UK and Australia was worth £18.3 billion in 2019
In a clear demonstration of the strength of the enduring partnership between the UK and Australia, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will arrive in Canberra today (6 February) as part of a four-country visit to the Asia-Pacific region.
The Foreign Secretary will hold talks with Foreign Minister Marise Payne to discuss future trade and investment opportunities and the potential for an early free trade deal. The Ministers are also expected to discuss UK co-operation with Australia in the Indo-Pacific region, opportunities to work together on global human rights issues and UK assistance to the bushfire response. A team of UK experts visited Australia last month to scope how the UK can best contribute to the response.
The Foreign Secretary will also meet Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham.
Speaking ahead of his visit, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:
The UK and Australia have a unique friendship, with shared history, culture and values.
Following the UK’s departure from the EU we have the chance to broaden our horizons to embrace the huge opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region including with Australia.
Australia is a natural partner and we are ready to negotiate a comprehensive trade deal. We have a multi-billion pound trade relationship with investment in both directions supporting jobs and growth in both economies. The scope for win-win is huge.
The UK and Australia are close partners on the international stage, being members of the Commonwealth, Five Eyes, G20 and the United Nations. Both countries are committed to protecting and promoting the rules-based international order.
The Foreign Secretary will travel on to Sydney to meet business leaders and people involved in the recent bushfire response from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service on Friday.