Television interview, ABC News Breakfast

JAMES GLENDAY, HOST: The Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, is in Washington, where she's been representing the Australian Government at today's proceedings alongside Australia's Ambassador, Kevin Rudd. I'm pleased to say she joins us now. Minister, good morning.

PENNY WONG, FOREIGN MINISTER:  Good morning. Good to be with you.

GLENDAY: You're the first Foreign Minister to attend an inauguration, but the cold weather kind of upturned plans just a couple of days out. Did you have a good vantage point? Did you get inside?

FOREIGN MINISTER: Yes, I was. I had the privilege of attending the inauguration and being just a few seats back from watching the President speak. I want to say first, on behalf of the country, we congratulate President Trump on his inauguration. It was an honour and a privilege for me to be there, as you say, the first time the Australian Foreign Minister has been invited and I was very honoured to represent our country at such an important event, the peaceful transfer of power in this great democracy.

GLENDAY: In the past, you've been quite critical of Donald Trump. You're not alone in that, of course. The former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, now Ambassador, was too. Do you believe that your invitation to this event is a sign that the Trump Administration has moved on and forgotten that?

FOREIGN MINISTER: Look, I am going to continue to be focused on doing the job I have for the Australian people, which is to represent Australia here and around the world, to engage with the new administration in the interests of Australians, in our economic interests and our national security interests. I'm privileged to be here, privileged to be the first Foreign Minister invited, and I look forward to meeting Marco Rubio, my counterpart, the new Secretary of State, tomorrow.

GLENDAY: What sort of message are you hoping to deliver in that meeting? And we heard from the new President this morning, spoke a bit about tariffs. Are you confident that Australia can avoid facing tariffs?

FOREIGN MINISTER: Well, in relation to tariffs, what I would say is, you know, America has had a trade surplus with Australia since President Truman's time, and it's around 2 to 1 in the US’ favour. And in fact, a great proportion, around half of our exports to the United States go into the American supply chain. So we are a very valued ally. We are also a very valued trading partner which provides great value for the United States. But my one message to Secretary Rubio is that this is a really important alliance. It's an important alliance for Australia and for the United States. And together, through the Quad – the four countries, Japan, India, the US and Australia – we all play our part in ensuring peace and prosperity in our region.

GLENDAY: I think it’s fair to say, is probably a little way down Donald Trump's to do list – some people might argue that's a good place to be – do you think that the Prime Minister will meet with the new President before the Australian election? And could you see President Trump visiting Australia during this next term?

FOREIGN MINISTER: Look, this is all interesting discussion, but the President has only just been inaugurated. So, obviously today is a day of great celebration here in Washington. In terms of future meetings, I'm sure the Prime Minister will have the opportunity at the appropriate time to meet the President. We're very pleased that there was a very early call and a very warm and friendly call with the President elect.

GLENDAY: Donald Trump loves a bit of pomp and pageantry, though. You're not going to extend the offer of a state visit to him, are you, while you're on this trip?

FOREIGN MINISTER: He has only just been inaugurated, but we're always pleased in Australia to receive an American President at a convenient time.

GLENDAY: Alright, fair enough. Just on another topic, we don't want to keep you too long, I know your time is limited. Just the ceasefire in Gaza. Are you confident that this is going to be a lasting one? Can it hold?

FOREIGN MINISTER: Look, of course it's challenging. We've seen that because this ceasefire has been so close to being agreed to and implemented for some time. What I would say is that it was so moving to see the first of these hostages released under the ceasefire. I had the opportunity when I was in, in Israel to meet with some of the families of hostages. That was searing for me. I have never forgotten, you know, the pain of those parents, and brothers and sisters, and friends. So, it was very moving to see the images and the footage of hostages coming home, and we hope that many more do. We hope that this peace does hold and we can see stability and peace in the region and humanitarian aid being provided.

GLENDAY: All right, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, we are out of time. Thank you very much for squeezing us in this morning on what has been a big day, of course, for the United States, but you personally as well.

FOREIGN MINISTER: Thank you very much. It was a great pleasure to be with you.