Australia to reshape foreign policy, trade

Australia will call home all of its overseas ambassadors for a meeting, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said on March 2, as it reshapes its foreign policy to balance ties with long-time ally the United States and China, its largest trading partner. It is the first time Australia has brought together all of its top diplomats from their 113 missions around the world. The aim is to draw up a “white paper” to guide Australian diplomacy for the next decade, the first document of its kind since 2003. “At a time of significant global uncertainty, it is vital that Australia harness the experience and intellect of our most senior diplomats,” Ms. Bishop said. She said the meeting later this month would focus on a broad reset of Australia’s approach to international relations and trade.

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