U.S. – Australia Relations

Trilateral Strategic Dialogue Ministerial Meeting

New York — 21 September 2009

Media Release
21 September 2009

In New York today I [The Hon Stephen Smith MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs] will attend the fourth Trilateral Strategic Dialogue Ministerial meeting between the United States, Japan and Australia.

I will meet with United States Secretary of State Clinton and Japanese Foreign Minister Okada, prior to the commencement of the United Nations General Assembly Leaders’ week.

I welcome Mr Okada’s participation in the Dialogue so soon after his official appointment as Japanese Foreign Minister last week.

The Trilateral Strategic Dialogue provides the opportunity for three close partners to discuss common interests and consider a range of global issues. It also provides an opportunity to consider ways to strengthen practical cooperation in the region.

Australia’s Alliance with the United States continues to be an indispensable part of Australia’s strategic, security and defence arrangements.

Australia and Japan share a comprehensive economic, security and strategic partnership, enduring trade and investment links and a common alliance tie with the United States.

Australia’s relationship with the United States and Japan is based on enduring friendship and shared democratic values.

All three countries are committed to the stabilisation of Afghanistan and are supporters of the United Nations Security Council's unanimous adoption of Resolution 1874 in response to North Korea's nuclear test earlier this year.

Later in the week, I will also have a separate bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Okada.

I met Mr Okada when he was in Opposition.

The meeting will provide an important opportunity to further advance Australia’s significant engagement with the new Japanese Government across the range of strategic, political and economic interests.

Original document from www.foreignminister.gov.au.

Last update: Tuesday, 22 September 2009 GMT+1000