U.S. – Australia Relations

Australian-American Friendship Week and Battle of the Coral Sea Commemorations

Canberra — 7 May 1999

Media release
7 May 1999

I warmly welcome the generous greetings President Clinton has sent to all Australians on the occasion of Australian-American Friendship Week and as part of commemorations to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea. I fully share the President’s views on the close and valuable partnership which as good friends and allies our two nations share. Through that partnership we continue to work together to advance the common interests not only of Australia and the United States but of all people who cherish peace and the freedom which democracy brings.

An important foundation of this partnership was the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942, a remarkable battle that changed the course of the Pacific War. From the courage and patriotism that our forces came to respect so much in each other, the bonds of a firm and true friendship have grown between our nations and our peoples, a friendship which, in its most mature form, is embodied in the strong alliance between our two countries.

The bonds formed between us fifty-seven years ago retain their relevance and vitality in these very different times. They are reflected in many ways: in the continued success of the ANZUS treaty; in our close cooperation on regional and international issues; in the many contacts between Australians and Americans; in our shared desire for a resilient global economy; and in our concerted efforts to eradicate the scourge of narcotics.

Australian-American friendship endures because it rests upon shared liberal democratic values. But the democracy we enjoy today was paid for through the courage and personal sacrifice of the young Australians and Americans who fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea and in the many military campaigns that followed. We are forever in their debt. We shall continue to honour and remember them.

I welcome the announcement that the United States Ambassador to Australia, Genta Hawkins Holmes, will be President Clinton’s personal representative for Australian-American Friendship Week and the 57th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea. Ambassador Hawkins Holmes will participate in a number of events, in commemoration of the battle, in Sydney and in Canberra.

Original document from www.pm.gov.au.

Last update: Tuesday, 20 November 2007 GMT+1000