{ "error": "", "type": "text", "title": "Secretary Pompeo's Toast to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison", "slug": "secretary-pompeos-toast-to-australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison", "text": "
\"Well, good afternoon and welcome \u2013 or should I say G\u2019day? (Laughter.) It is, in fact, that. It is my great honor and privilege to welcome you, Prime Minister Morrison, to the State Department. You hosted, along with your beautiful wife, hosted Susan and me just last month in Sydney. It was spectacular. For our next meal in America, we want you to come out to the real Outback in Kansas \u2013 (laughter) \u2013 where the people, much like all across America, are kindred spirits with you all.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re both continental democracies that share the values of freedom and liberty and of human rights. We\u2019re both Pacific nations settled by true explorers, pioneers, and rebels from the old world.<\/p>\n
As Mark Twain once said \u2013 he said after a visit to Australia, quote, \u201cYou have a spirit of independence which cannot be over-praised.\u201d We Americans like our independence an awful lot too. And although the Aussie press in the room \u2013 I promise you, I\u2019m not siding with republicans or the monarchists here \u2013 that\u2019s your business. You all pick it. (Laughter.)<\/p>\n
And throughout history, our shared values and interests have brought us together time and time again. We fought alongside each other in the Battle of Hamel, in Midway, Guadalcanal, in Korea, and in Vietnam, and in Afghanistan as well. And we have much more to achieve together in the years and decades ahead. And certainly, our effort to achieve peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region is something that we will work closely together.<\/p>\n
So at this time, if I might, I\u2019d like to offer a toast:<\/p>\n
When General Douglas MacArthur spoke to your Parliament at the height of World War II, he spoke of adding yet another link \u201cto the long chain of friendship which brings our two nations together.\u201d<\/p>\n
So here is to that long and unbroken friendship. Cheers.\"<\/p>", "quote": null, "citation": "