'Shirtfront' enters the diplomatic lingo
Tony Abbott may have singlehandedly introduced a new word into the diplomatic lexicon.
Tony Abbott's threat to "shirtfront" Russian President Vladimir Putin has become so well-known on the world stage that it's worked its way into the diplomatic lexicon, says Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.
The prime minister grabbed global headlines last month when he pledged to shirtfront Mr Putin over the "murder" of 38 Australian citizens and residents who died when MH17 was shot down over east Ukraine.
Mr Abbott has since backed away from the comment, instead insisting he will hold a robust conversation with the Russian president when the two meet for formal talks on Tuesday at the APEC summit in Beijing.
When asked about the impending meeting, Ms Bishop hosed down concerns Mr Abbott's previous choice of language would derail discussions.
"Since the phrase shirtfront was used, I understand it has now entered the diplomatic lexicon of many countries," Ms Bishop said.
"I have met with President Putin since that time, and we had a very cordial discussion about the issues of concern."
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