Between Jakarta and Geneva: why Abbott needs to view Africa as a great opportunity

Abstract

Australia's engagement with Africa during the Rudd and Gillard governments was primarily driven by the national interest, which revolved around three issues: humanitarianism, support for mining corporations, and the United Nations Security Council seat. This article argues that there is a need for the Abbott government to retain the same depth and breadth of relationships with Africa. It is in the interest of both Australia and African states for the Australian government to remain committed to humanitarian objectives and to help African countries meet some of their Millennium Development Goal targets. Moreover, the continued support of Australian mining corporations operating in Africa, especially through the training of African policy makers in mining governance, is good for both Africa and Australia. Finally, Australia's continued success in multilateral diplomacy will depend on support from all parts of the world, including Africa. Australia's success at the multilateral level will, in turn, result in bilateral benefits in other regions, including the Asia-Pacific.

在陆克文和吉拉德执政时期，推动澳大利亚与非洲的关系的主要是围绕三个议题的国家利益：人权、支持矿业公司、联合国安理会席位。本文指出，阿伯特政府需要将澳非关系保持在同一深度和广度上。澳大利亚政府致力于人道主义目标，帮助非洲国家实现其千年发展目标，这符合双方的利益。持续地支持澳大利亚矿业公司在非洲的运行，特别是培训非洲矿业治理领域的政策制定者，也是利在双方的事业。澳大利亚多边外交的不断成功有赖于世界各地包括非洲的支持。而这一成功又会在其他地区包括亚太带来双边的收益。

Keywords:

• Abbott
• Africa
• governance
• Millennium Development Goals
• mining
• policy