United States – Australia Relations

U.S. – Australia Relations

Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations 2008

Canberra — 22 February 2008

Australian Minister for Defence Fitzgibbon greets Secretary of Defense at his arrival in Canberra.

The Australian Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, greets the US Secretary of Defense, the Hon. Dr Robert Gates, and Ms Becky Gates on their arrival into RAAF Base Fairbairn today. Dr Gates is in Australia to lead the US delegation attending the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations at Parliament House on 23 February 2008.
Accompanying Dr Gates on the United States Air Force B747 arriving into Canberra were his wife Ms Becky Gates and the Deputy US Secretary of State, the Hon. John Negroponte who is attending the talks on behalf of the US Secretary of State, Dr Condoleezza Rice.

The Australian Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, greets the US Secretary of Defense, the Hon. Dr Robert Gates, and Ms Becky Gates on their arrival into RAAF Base Fairbairn today. Dr Gates is in Australia to lead the US delegation attending the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations at Parliament House on 23 February 2008. Accompanying Dr Gates on the United States Air Force B747 arriving into Canberra was the Deputy US Secretary of State, the Hon. John Negroponte who is attending the talks on behalf of the US Secretary of State, Dr Condoleezza Rice.

THE HON STEPHEN SMITH MP, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP, MINISTER FOR DEFENCE

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, and the Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, today announced that Australia will host the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) in Canberra on 23 February 2008.

United States Secretary of Defence, Dr Robert Gates, and Deputy Secretary of State, Ambassador John Negroponte, will lead the US delegation to AUSMIN. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, and Commander US Pacific Command, Admiral Timothy Keating, will also attend.

AUSMIN is the premier bilateral forum for consultations on foreign affairs, defence and strategic matters. AUSMIN embodies the reciprocal and cooperative spirit of the 60-year Alliance, which is built on shared interests, values and sacrifice.

AUSMIN discussions will reflect the global dimensions of Australia — United States cooperation in confronting contemporary security challenges, as well as our close cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region to promote peace, security and prosperity.

The consultations further underscore the Government’s commitment to the Alliance, and follow on Mr Smith’s recent talks with senior members of the US Administration in Washington and Mr Fitzgibbon’s recent visit to Vilnius to discuss Australia’s contribution to the multinational effort in Afghanistan.

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

Last update: Monday, 25 February 2008 GMT+1000

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