Foreign relations of Australia

From Daily Escape

The foreign relations of Australia have spanned from the country's time as Dominion and later Realm of the British Empire to its position as a steadfast ally of New Zealand through long-standing ANZAC ties dating back to the early 1900's and the American nations throughout the Cold War to its engagement with Asia as a power in its own right. Its relations with the international community are influenced by its position as a leading trading nation and as a significant donor of humanitarian aid.

Australia's foreign policy is guided by a commitment to multilateralism and regionalism, as well as to strong bilateral relations with its allies. Key concerns include free trade, terrorism, economic cooperation with Asia and stability in the Asia-Pacific. Australia is active in the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Australia's foreign relations are primarily the responsibility of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Australia's Minister for Foreign Relations is Winston Peters, an LDP politician from the state of New Zealand.