AUSTRALIA'S "remarkably durable relationship" with the UK will be the key to dealing with a number of potential crises in the Middle East in 2013, British Foreign Minister William Hague says.
Mr Hague has pointed to Australia's elevation to the United Nations Security Council as evidence that the two allies will be standing shoulder-to-shoulder during a "crucial year in the Middle East".
"We could see a perfect storm of crises converging if the conflict in Syria continues, the Middle East peace process remains stalled and if Iran will not enter into meaningful negotiations over its nuclear program," Mr Hague told an audience in Sydney on Thursday.
"We may well have to face all these things side by side at the UN Security Council, as well as dealing with so many unexpected crises."
Mr Hague, in Australia to deliver the fourth John Howard address at the Menzies Research Centre, said the common ground on foreign policy proved that the relationship between the two countries was not "based purely on history".
"To anyone who says Britain and Australia are facing in different directions, I say we've more work on our hands than ever before."
He said Australia did not have to choose between its neighbourhood and its traditional alliances, saying Britain was "a partner of Australia in the Asia Pacific as well as globally".
Mr Hague said Britain was "looking East as never before in modern times", setting sights on economic and diplomatic opportunities in Asia.
He said this would reinforce the nation's partnership with Australia.
"Ours is a remarkably durable relationship, one I can confidently say has its best days and its greatest opportunities still to come."
Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott had earlier introduced Mr Hague's speech, saying Australia would do well to strengthen ties with Britain.
Australia and Britain shared an "enduring community of interest and values", he said.
"Both countries appreciate that you do not win new friends by losing old ones."
Britain was the second-largest direct foreign investor in Australia, the nation's largest trading partner in Europe and the sixth-largest economy in the world.
Mr Abbott said Mr Hague, a former conservative opposition leader, was a role model for him in a similar way to former Australian prime minister John Howard.
He said Australia's Liberal party and Britain's Conservative Party shared the same approach to government.
"Our two political movements instinctively support policies which protect the family, which support small business and which uphold traditional institutions," Mr Abbott said.
"The liberal part of our soul wants smaller government, lower taxes and greater freedom.
"The conservative part cherishes the family and values the institutions that have stood the test of time."
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