AUSMIN 2012
Secretary Clinton in Australia
For all the information on Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton's visit to Perth and Adelaide, see the stories below. This includes the AUSMIN 2012 Joint Communique and information from each of her events throughout the trip. For more on AUSMIN please visit our archive page.
Launching a Bilateral Energy Dialogue with Minister Martin Ferguson
After an insightful and wide-ranging bilateral discussion with Resources, Energy, and Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson, Secretary Clinton joined with the Minister to jointly launch a new bilateral energy dialogue. Secretary Clinton and Minister Ferguson acknowledged that energy supply and security are vital issues of mutual interest and should form the basis for recurring discussions between the Australian Department of Resources, Energy, and Tourism and the United States Department of State, with the first round of discussions taking place in the first-half of the coming year. They discussed how global and regional governance supports the reliability and security of competitively-priced resources, and creates a framework for the participation of emerging economies. They also identified several areas for close cooperation including renewable energy technologies and implementation, bilateral investment in development and research, and the promotion of global standards and best practices.
Secretary Clinton went on to welcome Australia's announcement that it will be participating in the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. Minister Ferguson and Secretary Clinton then concluded that as our nations play a critical role in world energy markets, close coordination is essential to encourage the development of the transparent markets, system of open investment, and high standards that will foster energy security and maintain economic stability and growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
Techport - Adelaide
Secretary Clinton toured South Australia's world-class shipbuilding facility, Techport, Thursday morning and witnessed the confluence of American and Australian engineering. She viewed several Australian Light Armored Vehicles (ASLAVs) that are manufactured in South Australia for American and Australian soldiers by a subsidiary of the American Company General Dynamics. She then saw the first of three Air Warfare Destroyers in construction, a project jointly undertaken by the Commonwealth of Australia, ASC, and Raytheon Australia. The chairman of the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance, Rod Equid, led Secretary Clinton around the facility with Finance Minister Penny Wong, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill, and a group of industry leaders.
In her remarks at the Techport, Secretary Clinton said, “Adelaide is…a place where American and Australian companies work in close partnership every day. This city, this place, showcases two of the strongest elements of the U.S.-Australia relationship: our security alliance, and our economic ties.”
Speaking directly to the concern of some that Australia needs to re-evaluate its alliance relationship in relation to the rise of China, Secretary Clinton said, “I know there are some who present a false choice, that Australia needs to choose between its longstanding ties to the United States and its emerging links with China. Well, that kind of zero-sum thinking only leads to negative-sum results. We support Australia having strong, multifaceted ties with every nation in the Asia Pacific, indeed in the world, including China just as we seek the same. And I have said repeatedly the Pacific is big enough for all of us.
She went on to say the U.S.-Australian relationship is much deeper than merely a strategic alliance, “It is in our DNA. It is rooted in shared history and shared struggles to overcome adversity and build a better future for ourselves, our families, and future generations. We are not fair-weather friends. We've been there for each other for decades, and we will keep being there to deliver greater security, greater prosperity, greater opportunity, and the chance for all Australians and Americans alike to live up to our God-given potential in this, the Pacific century. God bless you. And God bless Australia and our relationship forever. Thank you.”
AUSMIN Consultations 2012
With the breadth and depth of the Australia-United States relationship, AUSMIN Consultations have always been comprehensive discussions about our perspectives and approaches on major world issues. This year was no different. As described more thoroughly in our AUSMIN 2012 Joint Communique, we highlighted five priorities:
1. On Asia-Pacific security, we discussed the progress of the US rebalance toward the region. We underscored the vital roles played by Japan, the Republic of Korea and the members of ASEAN in forging a strong and resilient region. We welcomed a strong, prosperous and peaceful China, which plays a constructive role in promoting regional security and prosperity. We recognized the growing importance of India in the region and the Indian Ocean’s importance to trade, maritime security, and strategic and defense planning. We welcomed Myanmar/Burma’s ongoing democratic and economic reform process, which is of great significance for the region
2. On regional dialogue, we underscored the importance of regional institutions in promoting peace, stability and security, encouraging economic integration and development and protecting human rights. We noted the significant challenges these institutions (such as ASEAN, the East Asia Summit, and the IOR-ARC) could help address, including in areas such as health, education, natural disasters, energy security, the environment and maritime security. We reaffirmed our support for economic institutions that foster growth and market openness, and deepen economic integration in the Asia Pacific and globally.
3. On global security, we discussed Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria. We decided to intensify cooperation to meet emerging security challenges in space and cyberspace. We reflected on the importance of space-enabled systems and cyberspace to our economies, societies and national security, and affirmed our common interest in ensuring the safety, stability, sustainability and security of space and cyberspace.
4. On global development, we emphasized our shared commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as reflected in the USAID-AusAID Memorandum of Understanding on International Development Cooperation. We acknowledged the progress made in achieving the fundamental goal of reducing extreme poverty globally by half, but recognized that further global commitment is needed. We recognized the challenges and opportunities of reform in Myanmar/Burma, and are working closely to encourage human development in that country and to resolve the status of stateless people. We reaffirmed our commitment to development in Afghanistan. Underscoring the centrality of gender equality to political, economic, social and human development, we reiterated our support for the empowerment of women and girls.
5. On bilateral defense cooperation, we reiterate that the Alliance is above all about practical cooperation and collaboration, whether through training and exercises, combined operations or intelligence sharing. In discussing our current efforts and future initiatives, we have brought forward a new and important element of this cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the relocation and establishment of a jointly-operated US C-Band space surveillance radar at the Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station in Western Australia. We have also decided to work towards the relocation of a highly advanced US Space Surveillance Telescope to Australia. We affirmed our commitment to strengthening our capacity to contribute to integrated civil-military operations, recognizing the increasing complexity of the kinds of contingencies that we continue to face together and with other partners. Such investment in bilateral preparedness reinforces our combined capacity to respond effectively with other partners to disasters, humanitarian emergencies and fragile and conflict-affected states across the Asia-Pacific and globally.
AUSMIN 2012 Concludes
After a day of consultations, AUSMIN traditionally concludes with a press conference featuring all four principals involved. This year was no different, with Minister Carr leading Secretary Clinton, Minister Smith, and Secretary Panetta in opening remarks. Minister Carr moderated the question-and-answer portion, too!
This year's joint communique describes how we 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. We also acknowledged the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper, the sixtieth anniversary year of the ANZUS Treaty and our future work together on the United Nations Security Council. Five priorities were highlighted in today's talks - protect and promote Asia Pacific security, suport regional dialogue, advance global security, promote global development, and enhance our bilateral cooperation.
We look forward to building on progress to date and executing the plans we've made for the future. The next AUSMIN Consultations will take place in the United States in 2013.
Secretary Clinton departed from Perth and now heads to Adelaide where she will meet with Australian business leaders as well as visit Techport Australia, Australia’s largest and most advanced shipbuilding facility.
AUSMIN Officially Begins
Secretary Clinton met Secretary Panetta, Minister Smith, and Minister Carr at Kings Park for a wreath-laying ceremony at the State War Memorial.
After a solemn ceremony led by members of the Returned and Services League in Western Australia, the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations began in earnest at the State Reception Centre. The agenda included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between our two Defense Departments.
The AUSMIN discussions continue this afternoon and conclude with a press conference and the release of a joint communique.
Day 1 Summary
Today Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Perth, Western Australia where she spent time meeting with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Foreign Minister Bob Carr, Defense Minister Stephen Smith, and Premier of Western Australia Colin Barnett
Following these talks, Secretary Clinton met with Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi, who presented her with a Key to the City of Perth.
The Secretary then made her way to the beautiful University of Western Australia campus to open the Perth USAsia Centre - an expansion of the Sydney-based United States Studies Centre. With more than 100 people there in support of this new institution to focus on Australia-Asia-US strategic and economic concerns, Secretary Clinton spoke of the enduring relationship between the United States and Australia and the importance of our roles in the Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions.
Finally, she ended her first day with a dinner at the picturesque Matilda Bay Restaurant on the shores of Swan River.
Tomorrow she will join U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr, and Australian Defense Minister Stephen Smith for the annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN).
Secretary Clinton Arrives!
It was a picture-perfect Perth morning for Secretary Clinton's arrival in Perth.
She was greeted by Premier Barnett, Foreign Minister Carr, Defence Minister Smith, Ambassador Beazley, Ambassador Bleich & Consul-General Woodward. Less formal welcomes - waves - were provided by others on the tarmac, including members of the media awaiting her arrival.
Secretary Clinton is in Perth to participate in the yearly Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations to discuss our alliance cooperation on matters including security, development, and trade.
Secretary Clinton to Visit Australia
Secretary Clinton has announced she will travel to Australia for the annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) in Perth. Following this she will continue on to Adelaide. Press Release.