We spent the past two days in the wonderful city of Perth in western Australia for the Australia-US Ministerial consultations. We met with Australian soldiers and sailors who have been steadfast partners in Afghanistan. Secretary Panetta, Secretary Clinton and I met with our counterparts for very productive discussions on regional issues and capabilities. Australia plays a key role in our new defense strategy – our rebalance to the Asia-Pacific -- and as the ANZUS Treaty alliance celebrates 60 years, our partnership remains one of the bedrocks of stability and security in the region.