Communiqué
14 November 2012
We met today in the city of Perth – Australia's Indian Ocean capital – to reaffirm the value of the Australia-US Alliance in helping to shape the security and prosperity of the Asia Pacific, while also contributing to global security, good governance and the rule of law. Our commitment to the region and its future remains enduring and steadfast. Here on the shores of the Indian Ocean, we have committed to continued cooperation on security matters throughout the Asia Pacific, including through consolidating progress in the force posture initiatives announced by Prime Minister Gillard and President Obama in November 2011. Our bilateral cooperation, including on trade and investment, international development, education, science and technology, and cultural ties, is deep and continues to expand, reflecting the dynamism and energy of our two countries.
Over the past year, we have both reaffirmed in various ways the importance of our engagement in the Asia Pacific. The Australia in the Asian Century White Paper released on 28 October charts a course for even deeper Australian regional engagement. President Obama reinforced a broad US commitment to the region in his announcement in Canberra last November as part of a rebalance to the Asia Pacific.
This year, we celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty's entry into force. Our Alliance plays a vital role in promoting regional and global security, while advancing each country's defence and security interests. Earlier this morning, as we laid wreaths at the King's Park Cenotaph, we reflected on the enduring strength of our Alliance and on those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.
We look forward to working together on the United Nations Security Council during Australia's term in 2013-14, noting the value of the experience, expertise and regional perspectives Australia will bring to the Council.
Recognising the importance of regular high-level consultations on foreign and strategic policy, we decided to hold regular senior officials' level talks on East Asia, the Pacific, and counter-proliferation. These talks are to inform AUSMIN discussions.
In our talks today, we highlighted the following priorities:
