SEATTLE — In a blend of diplomacy and sportsmanship, Australian Ambassador Greg Moriarty made strategic connections at a World Cup match in Seattle, despite Australia's loss in the game. Moriarty, who took up his role in Washington in late May, used the occasion to meet key U.S. officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

The meeting didn't take place in a conventional office setting but rather, at Lumen Field during a high-stakes soccer match — an unconventional yet effective venue for diplomatic outreach. "The United States is a very sports-mad country, so is Australia," Moriarty said. This shared passion provided a relaxed backdrop for discussing bilateral issues subtly intertwined with the thrill of the match.

Moriarty's role extends beyond mere sports talk; he is actively addressing more serious matters, such as the new 12.5 percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on nations allegedly lax in preventing slave labor within supply chains. This tariff could significantly impact Australia, prompting Moriarty’s meetings with influential figures like Microsoft’s Deputy General Counsel Antony Cook, and Mikaël Limapalaër from Australian Super at the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle.

His efforts are part of a broader mission to ensure that the U.S. maintains its focus on the Indo-Pacific region, amidst its myriad global interests. "The United States is a superpower. It clearly has global commitments and global responsibilities," Moriarty remarked, asserting his belief in America's solid commitment to the Indo-Pacific.

In a unique approach to diplomacy, Moriarty also linked the popularity of American football with strategic military alliances, such as the AUKUS security partnership involving the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. He highlighted the upcoming NFL game in Melbourne and its potential to strengthen bilateral relations. "We’re really keen to sort of see how we can use American football to grow an audience in Australia, that will again be really good for the business connections and the people-to-people connections," he explained.

Moriarty's proactive stance in Washington, unusual for an Australian ambassador who isn't a former politician, demonstrates his adeptness at navigating and enhancing economic, military, and cultural ties between Australia and the United States. As Australia prepares to host U.S. submarines by the end of next year, Moriarty's efforts at fostering a mutual appreciation for sports and strategic partnerships underscore his commitment to reinforcing this crucial bilateral relationship.