U.S. – Australia Relations
Minister for Defence Meets with Vice President Cheney, Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates and US Government Representatives
Washington, D.C. — 17 July 2008
MIN85/08
The Minister for Defence, the Honourable Joel Fitzgibbon MP, met with US Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates and a number of US Government representatives in Washington to discuss Defence and International security issues, current operations, interoperability and the Asia-Pacific.
In discussions with Vice President Cheney, the Minister highlighted the importance of the Australia-US Alliance and co-operation in promoting peace, security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Minister noted that the Australia-US alliance is in excellent shape and that his visit to the US has again reaffirmed the strength and vitality of the alliance and its great value to Australia.
Vice President Cheney also expressed appreciation for Australia's role in Afghanistan and described it as a high quality and highly valued effort.
In discussions with Secretary Gates, the Minister and Secretary discussed capability, international security issues, joint operations and opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
This Government continues to build upon this longstanding partnership with the US, and will continue to coordinate regional activities with US counterparts in recognition of the importance of joint engagement in the region.
The Minister also received a full briefing on the progress being made in Afghanistan from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ADM Mike Mullen.
"In my discussions with my US counterparts I have been pleased that we share a common view of the importance of the Afghanistan project and that despite the complexities of the mission we are seeing real progress in making the Taliban irrelevant to Afghanistan's future," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
In separate calls on the Chairman House Armed Services Committee, Congressmen Ike Skelton, and Senator Joe Lieberman, the Minister focused on Defence and International Security issues including the Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty.
"My discussions with Congressional Leaders on the Defence Trade Co-operation Treaty have been quite favourable and I look forward to further progress on this important initiative," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
The Minister previously met Senator Lieberman at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in June where they discussed the importance of multilateral approaches needed to address global challenges such as trans-national crime, climate change and environmental degradation.
The initiatives that the Minister has discussed with US leaders during his visit will ensure that the alliance continues to deliver the security outcomes both nations seek, ensure promotion of global peace and stability through working together to pool expertise and resources, and ensure that Australia and the US maintain close interoperability.
"The Alliance is something both Governments work hard at. Like any relationship, the effort and care put into it is reflected in the benefits it provides to both parties," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Original document from www.minister.defence.gov.au.
Last update: Friday, 18 July 2008 GMT+1000
