Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in world-first emoji interview

Julie Bishop makes no secret of her love for emoticons.

But the foreign minister has now taken things to the next level, sitting down for what's thought to be the world's first interview conducted entirely via the small computerised graphics.

Online news site BuzzFeed texted Ms Bishop questions on her Liberal party colleagues, diplomacy, and her favourite animal.

In all instances, she replied with emoticons, also known as emoji.

Asked to describe Prime Minister Tony Abbott in a single graphic, she opted for a running man.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull? A mobile phone.

Russian President Vladimir Putin? A red, furious face.

Ms Bishop is known to be partial to emoticons, often weaving them into her official ministerial tweets.

Asked about Australia's relationship with the United States, Ms Bishop gave a thumbs-up, a tick, and a grinning face.

China got similar treatment, but with a smiling, sunglassed face.

Indonesia, meanwhile, which will soon execute drug smugglers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, received the thumb and the tick, but with a sad, pensive face.

The unusual interview also revealed Ms Bishop to be a cat person who stays fit by running and likes to wind down with a book and a bit of TV.

But she was coy when confronted with the question everyone wants to know: Does she covet the prime ministership?

Cue a blank, straight-mouthed and emotionless face.