As a reflection of Britain’s changing diplomatic tact, it has announced a new era of bilateral relations with Australia.

British foreign secretary William Hague said in a speech at the Lowy Institute in Sydney yesterday that the new conservative government is extending its diplomatic focus beyond the United States and Europe to emerging countries located in the east and south. This is the first time in 2 decades that a foreign secretary has visited Australia.

Hague has been visiting areas affected by the flooding in Queensland as well as holding talks with Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd.

He also mentioned the country's role in the Commonwealth; saying that the most productive period in the British-Australian relations is pending.

"Under our government, Britain will look more to Australia, and indeed to New Zealand, than our predecessors did," he said."I myself look forward to visiting again later this year. But while we are proud of the history and the sacrifices and achievements that bind us, the strongest and most productive period in our relations should lie ahead of us."

"The networked world opens whole new opportunities for our relationship: for our companies to collaborate and use each other's economies as springboards for access to new markets; to work together to tackle poverty; and when we choose, to combine our diplomacy and intelligence efforts."