Australia cannot distance itself from Asia

Australia cannot distance itself from Asia

The following is based on the address of Australia's Prime Minister John Howard in on Aug. 22, in which he outlined his foreign policy. The function in Canberra was held by the Menzies Research Center.

CANBERRA: In the broadest sense, Australia's international relations shape the prosperity and security of Australians.

First, the basics need to be right. Particular emphasis needs to be given to the self-reinforcing links between the strength of the national economy, the effectiveness of foreign and trade policy, and capabilities of the defense force.

I have already underlined the importance of a strong and prosperous domestic economy able to withstand international pressures, to take advantage of global opportunities, and to assist other nations in times of need.

We also need to keep our alliances and key relationships in good order and, by doing so, have greater influence than if we acted alone. We need to work to ensure that our region, the part of the world that has the most direct bearing on our fortunes, is as stable and prosperous as we can make it.

And we need to have an armed force that has the capacity to defend us if necessary, and to act with others in support of regional stability. The government has acted decisively on this front with a commitment to increase defense spending by $23 billion over the coming decade. Second, we need to find the right balance in the conduct of our foreign relations between the principles we believe in, and a pragmatic and clear-eyed defense of the national interest.

Our commitment to democracy, to fundamental human rights, to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the independence and authority of the rule of law must not be compromised. That said, our relations with countries having different cultural and political traditions, must be based on mutual respect. We will give them the same respect and acknowledgment of sovereign authority that we ask be given to us.

There will be times, such as in East Timor, when we must reach out to assist the vulnerable who need and deserve our assistance. The maintenance of strong bilateral relationships remains a cornerstone of this government's foreign policy approach.

Asia is, of course, of vital importance to us -- it lies at the forefront of our policy focus. The region has huge potential and, despite recent difficulties, has taken some major strides down the path of political and economic reform.

The nations of Asia matter because they are important political partners with whom we have worked for many years to build a more stable and secure region. They matter because of where they are. Their proximity inextricably links their future prosperity and security with ours. And they matter because of what they are -- our largest export markets and the source of much of our investment and imports.

Closer to home, Indonesia's transition to a modern, inclusive, decentralized democracy after 30 years of autocratic and centralized rule is one of the most momentous global developments since the fall of communism. Its stability and well being are vital for Australia, our region and beyond.

We will give Indonesia our attention, respect and assistance. Having frankly acknowledged the inevitable political strains over East Timor, we are ready to move to a new phase in the bilateral relationship. I hosted president (Abdurrahman) Wahid's visit to Australia in June this year -- the first by an Indonesian president to Australia for more than a quarter of a century. And I responded swiftly and positively to President Megawati's generous invitation to visit Jakarta -- the first by a foreign head of government since her election.

The openness and candor now being demonstrated between us augers well for a future relationship based on what I have termed "positive realism". This should not be a relationship burdened by the kinds of unrealistic expectations that featured so prominently at certain times in the past. Rather it should be based on a realistic appreciation of the differences between our two societies and cultures, but positively focused on our many shared interests and on a mutual respect for each other.