Face of Nation : “Congratulations on the Ashes,” the prime minister told Mr Johnson when they met for formal talks on the sidelines of the G7 in Biarritz, France.
Scott Morrison has joked with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about Australia’s nail-biting loss in the third Ashes test during their first meeting as leaders. “Well, we’ve got two to go. We’re not taking anything for granted,” Mr Johnson replied.
The pair agreed it was “a hell of a game”. In the jovial first encounter between the two men as leaders, Mr Johnson also laughed as he asked the Australian if he was “enjoying this thing so far?”
Australia is only an invited guest at the G7, which comprises the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the United States, Canada and Japan. “It’s different being an observer on these things. … It’s a good opportunity to see everybody,” Mr Morrison told him.
They moved on to meatier matters once the doors closed, covering a post-Brexit trade deal, Australia’s plans to join the UK and US in military operations in the waters south of Iran and other strategic issues.
“You guys are going to be joining the maritime operations,” Mr Johnson said in reference to the Straits of Hormuz. “Yeah, absolutely. I met with the United States yesterday. That’s all come together, we’ve got a lot to do,” Mr Morrison replied.
A Downing Street spokesman said there was joint enthusiasm for an “enhanced and deep trading relationship” after the UK leaves the European Union, which is slated for the end of October.
Mr Johnson also set out the increased British diplomatic presence in the Pacific, which Mr Morrison welcomed. “The two leaders were concerned about the current situation in Hong Kong, and agreed that it was paramount for all sides to remain calm and peaceful and to maintain Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy as guaranteed by the legally binding joint declaration,” the spokesman said.
