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UK PM Johnson congratulates Albanese

By AAP Newswire

May 22, 2022

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has congratulated Anthony Albanese on his election as prime minister of Australia.

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"Our countries have a long history and a bright future together. As thriving like-minded democracies we work every day to make the world a better, safer, greener and more prosperous place," Johnson said in a statement.

"As we reap the rewards of our comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, the AUKUS partnership and the unmatched closeness between the British and Australian people, we do so knowing that the only distance between us is geographical."

Outgoing prime minister Scott Morrison acted quickly to concede after Saturday's polling day despite millions of votes yet to be counted because an Australian prime minister must attend a Tokyo summit on Tuesday with US, Japanese and Indian leaders.

"I look forward to working with Prime Minister Albanese in the weeks, months and years ahead as, together, we tackle shared challenges and demonstrate the importance of our shared values," Johnson said.

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted: "Congratulations @AlboMP on your election as Australian prime minister.

"As freedom-loving democracies we will continue to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific, boosting our trade and deepening our security ties through AUKUS".