Aussies welcome Boris Johnson

15 July 2016 by News Desk   |   SHARE  

While some expressed ‘surprise’ at the prospect of Boris Johnson being the overseas face of UK, many applaud the appointment.

Boris Johnson will make “a significant contribution to UK relations abroad”, says Julie Bishop, Australia’s foreign minister.

Pictured: Omar Todd of thinkingaustralia congratulates Boris Johnson on his achievement as Lord Mayor of London and now UK foreign secretary.

Johnson was yesterday appointed foreign secretary by UK Prime Minister Theresa May, a move that has stunned many observers.

But there is a very good reason behind the new Prime Minister choosing Boris Johnson.

“Boris Johnson is a global figure who is instantly recognised around the world,” says Darrell Todd, founder of thinkingaustralia.

“He is a man of razor-sharp intellect and a character who is well-known in the various corridors of power around the world.

“Put to the test, most people in UK can’t even name the last foreign secretary in their own country, but everyone knows who Boris Johnson is. If your job is to be the face of Britain to the world it helps if the world knows who you are”.

Johnson’s Australian counterpart, Julie Bishop, told reporters that she has sent her “warmest congratulations” to the new British foreign minister, adding: “I’m particularly pleased that Boris has such a personal connection with Australia”.

Aussies welcome Boris Johnson

Julie Bishop is the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Australia’s Federal Coalition Government. She is also the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and has served as the Member for Curtin in the House of Representatives since 1998.

She is Australia’s first female Foreign Minister, following four years as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Meanwhile, officials in other countries have their own opinions about Boris Johnson.

Like many media reporters and overseas politicians, US State Department spokesman Mark Toner was forced to stifle a laugh when told of Johnson’s appointment laughter. He later said the US looked forward to working with Johnson.

“I think it is safe to say that, whatever his public image, people would be wrong to dismiss Boris Johnson as a clown. I think many people will be pleasantly surprised by the contribution he makes going forward,” says Darrell Todd.

Want to Emigrate to Australia ? Click here for expert help: Skilled Migration to Australia

Want to get a job Down Under? Click here for expert help: How to get a job in Australia

Click here for expert help with travel visas: Travel visas to Australia

Click here for expert help with Study Visas: Student Visas in Australia

Click here for tourist information about Australia: Visit Australia