World leaders have begun congratulating Tony Abbott and his team on their federal election win.
British Prime Minister David Cameron, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key were among the first foreign leaders to congratulate Mr Abbott.
“I’ve just phoned and congratulated the new Australian PM @TonyAbbottMHR,” Mr Cameron tweeted.
“It’ll be great working with another centre right leader.”
A Downing Street spokesperson later said Mr Cameron and Mr Abbott spoke of the very strong links between the two countries.
“The call lasted a few minutes and both leaders agreed to talk in more detail about policy issues once the initial excitement of winning the election had subsided,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Harper took to Facebook to extend his congratulations.
“On behalf of the government of Canada I am pleased to offer my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott on his party’s victory,” he wrote.
He says Australia and Canada are “robust Pacific trading nations” with strong bilateral relations.
“Closer bilateral cooperation will promote the creation of jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in both countries, benefiting all of our citizens,” Mr Harper said.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key also congratulated Mr Abbott.
“I look forward to working with Australia’s new prime minister to build on the close unique relationship that exists between New Zealand and Australia.”
Mr Cameron’s foreign secretary, William Hague, said he had called Mr Abbott’s anointed foreign minister, Julie Bishop.
“Looking forward to working with her and her colleagues,” Mr Hague tweeted.
YOUR COMMENT