THE MIKIVERSE

The Hon. Stephen Smith mp

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs

Media Release

7 January 2009

AUSMIN 2010

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and Defence Minister John Faulkner will hold the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in Canberra on Monday, 18 January.

This will be Secretary Clinton’s first visit to Australia as Secretary of State and the second visit by Secretary Gates who attended AUSMIN in February 2008.

This year is the 25th anniversary of AUSMIN, reflecting the enduring importance of the Australia-US Alliance to both countries. The Alliance continues to be an indispensable part of Australia’s security and defence arrangements.

AUSMIN is the premier bilateral forum for Australia-US cooperation on foreign policy, defence and strategic matters.

The 2010 talks will address shared global and regional interests. Following closely President Obama’s recently announced revised strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Australia and the United States will discuss their commitment to both countries.

In the wake of the failed terrorist attack on a US airliner, AUSMIN will also be an opportunity to take stock of joint counter-terrorism efforts.

Recognising the continuing importance of the United States to the security and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific, the talks will address key challenges in the region.

Building on the close relationship between the Australian and US defence forces over many years, AUSMIN will further advance the close defence cooperation under our Alliance.

AUSMIN is scheduled annually, with the venue alternating between Australia and the United States, and was last hosted by the United States in Washington on 9 April 2009.

Media contacts:

• Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
• Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555