Britain’s new High Commissioner to Australia has spoken of her desire to increase trade and experience first-hand what life is really like in one of our nation's remote Indigenous communities.
With Australia’s economy largely defying the global downturn, diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom have "blossomed," she said.
British exports to Australia have jumped 60 per cent in seven years, making the United Kingdom the second largest foreign investor for its southern cousins.
To the new British High Commissioner designate, Menna Rawlings, said increased trade between the two countries was something Britain is very interested in.
The career-diplomat - with 25 years’ experience in postings across Africa, Europe, the US and Israel – said Australia’s position within the Asia pacific region was of “great interest”.
“For me, it's a very relevant relationship,” she said.
“It's absolutely not about the past but it's a relationship that's about the future.”
Ms Rawlings was also keen to explore Australia’s rich cultural history as part of her new role.
“I'd like to get out and spend some time in one of the Indigenous communities and really understand the role and relevance of the Indigenous communities to the Australia of today,” she said.
For now though, more pressing diplomatic duties have caught her attention.
“Obviously the challenge at the moment is the Cricket World Cup, which is not going too well from a British perspective,” she said.
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