Whilst football loyalties can be divisive, one very prominent Cats fan is using her love of the hoops to bring nations together.

Loyal Cats fan and Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marise Payne, is tasked with not only presenting as Australia's representative on international forums but also welcome visiting dignitaries from around the world.

Nauru's president Lionel Aingimea was one of the recent visitors to Australia and rather than a traditional gift of vegemite or a boxing kangaroo apron, Minister Payne instead gifted something close to her heart, a Cats guernsey signed by the playing list.

Judging from President Aingimea’s reaction, Nauru is firmly behind the Cats now.