U.S. – Australia Relations

Minister delivers address to Brookings Institution

Washington, D.C. — 16 July 2008

MIN84/08

On 15 July 2008 in Washington, the Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, delivered an address to the Brookings Institution, a leading international think-tank devoted to independent research and innovative policy on global issues.

The Minister used his address to emphasise the value of the Australia-US alliance to both nations and the Australian government's commitment to further strengthen the already close relationship. The Minister also paid tribute to the men and women from both countries that have served, and are still serving, together on joint operations.

"The grave nature of the challenges we've faced together have ensured that the relationship between our countries is closer than ever before." Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Mr Fitzgibbon reinforced Australia's long-term commitment to Afghanistan and once again called for an increased involvement from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). "Like the US, we hope NATO can increase its commitment over the long term."

In his speech the Minister noted the importance of a continuing strong United States role in regional defence and security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and Australia's desire to work with the US to develop stronger relationships with regional partners.

Mr Fitzgibbon said that greater practical cooperation between regional partners in the Asia-Pacific, including with Japan and Indonesia has the potential to make a considerable contribution to regional peace and security.

In light of the Government's announcement that it will seek a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council the Minister emphasised the importance of cooperation in the wider global arena, and highlighted Australia's support of the UN and its vital work.

"Problems facing us today — terrorism, transnational crime, pandemics, global warming - do not respect national borders. The challenges can only be met with a network of global responses."

Mr Fitzgibbon concluded his speech by again emphasising the importance of the alliance relationship. "It is my intent and the intent of the Government to not only maintain the alliance relationship, but to seek to push our engagement to a new deeper level."

Original document from www.minister.defence.gov.au.

Last update Friday, 18 July 2008