Transcript of doorstop interview with Kevin Rudd and US Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich

Subjects: Appointment as Foreign Minister, Australian Foreign Policy, Australia-US Alliance, Commemorating September 11

Canberra

Transcript, E&OE, proof only

11 September 2010

KEVIN RUDD: Let me say one or two things and then we'll get out the breeze and you can all go and have a cup of coffee somewhere.

First of all can I say how much I appreciate the Prime Minister's invitation for me to be Foreign Minister of Australia. To serve as Foreign Minister of Australia is a great honour.

Australia's foreign policy has its fundamental objectives. The maintenance of our national security, the maintenance of our national sovereignty, the advancing of our national interests and building with our friends and partners and allies a rules-based order for all countries of the world, to enhance peace and prosperity across the family of nations.

I haven't been sworn in yet. That, I gather, is going to occur sometime in the coming week. Subsequent to doing that, of course, I will provide a more extensive press conference about the foreign policy priorities of the portfolio. There are many challenges and many opportunities laying ahead for Australia and our friends and partners in the region and the world. And these will require us all to have our sleeves rolled up. It's been really good to be here with the US Ambassador this morning, talking about our common challenges as friends, partners and allies. And I say again what I've said many times, over many years; the cornerstone of Australia's foreign policy and security policy is our alliance with our great friends and partners in the United States. I think the Ambassador wants to say a thing or two and then [indistinct].

JEFFREY BLEICH: Thank you and I just want to repeat that the United States and Australia do have very important critical challenges ahead that we're working on together and it is great to have a government formed and the announcement of a Cabinet so we can renew our efforts on those important challenges. The President and I have already contacted the Prime Minister and extended our congratulations to her on the forming of a government, and we are confident that we are going...

UNIDENTIFIED VOICE: Hooray, hooray, hooray.

KEVIN RUDD: You've just been interrupted.

JEFFREY BLEICH: [Laughs]

UNIDENTIFIED VOICE: [Indistinct]

KEVIN RUDD: Hi guys? How are you?

JEFFREY BLEICH: I think that's the best ovation I've ever had. I'm going to say that again.

KEVIN RUDD: This was not organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs I have to say.

JEFFREY BLEICH: [Laughs]

QUESTION: Oh yeah.

KEVIN RUDD: You people are just too cynical for your own good.

JEFFREY BLEICH: We have — we're confident that we're going to continue our extraordinary relationship with Australia under her leadership. Obviously, we also know very well and have worked extraordinarily well with the new Foreign Minister designate, Kevin Rudd. He is a great friend and we are very happy to have the chance to work with him in this critical role together. So we — we're meeting today as friends, but we're looking forward to rolling up our sleeves as soon as he is confirmed and doing the critical work that we have ahead. I just can't let this moment pass though, without saying something. The announcement of a new government and a new Cabinet is an opportunity to re-affirm and to celebrate the great relationship between the United States and Australia.

I also want to mention the very solemn bond that we have today, together. On 11 September, just a few minutes ago, the clock struck midnight in the United States and we are commemorating that — the tragic events of that day. When we think about 11 September 2001, we think about the important relationship with Australia. You were there with us from the very beginning in committing to fighting terror wherever it is. And it has been that work that has bonded us in a particularly deep way, to live as open societies, to live freely, to live together, and to live without fear. And so we look forward to continuing that critical work with Australia and with my very good friend Kevin Rudd.

KEVIN RUDD: Thank you Ambassador. Just as I close, I can echo the Ambassador's remarks about 11 September. I think we'll always remember where we were at that time and it's a long time since then, but in many respects it's not, because the challenge of fighting global terrorism remains. And we are commonly bonded as part of that fight and what we do together on the ground in Afghanistan, but elsewhere across the world. But let us, on this day, and the period ahead, reflect carefully and solemnly on those who lost their lives not just there, but in terrorist attacks around the world. Now folks, having made those remarks, you're used to me saying for some years now I've got to zip.

Thank you. That's it, that's it.

QUESTION: [Inaudible question]

KEVIN RUDD: The — I began my remarks by saying that — how much I appreciated being invited by the Prime Minister to become Foreign Minister of Australia. As I've said before, there are national interests in this country which extend far beyond the personal interest of any individual. That applies to me as well. Having said that folks, I do have to zip.

END

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