Friday, 27 July 2001

Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2001

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, and the Minister for Defence, Peter Reith, today announced that Australia will host the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) in Canberra on 30 July 2001.

Hosted alternately by Australia and the United States, AUSMIN is the key forum for bilateral consultations on foreign, defence and security policy.

The American delegation will be led by the United States Secretary of State, Colin Powell, and Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld.

The Prime Minister, John Howard, will open AUSMIN and host a dinner in honour of the US principals on 30 July.  The Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile, will join the talks over lunch.

Defence force chiefs and senior civilian defence officials will also participate in AUSMIN. The Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Admiral Chris Barrie, will be joined by the Commander-in-Chief, US Pacific Command, Admiral Dennis Blair.

AUSMIN 2001 will focus on key regional developments and review Australia-US cooperation with the aim of promoting a secure and prosperous Asia Pacific.  Other important areas for discussion will include the global security environment, bilateral defence cooperation, and trade and economic cooperation, including bilateral trade issues.

US engagement in the Asia Pacific has provided the central underpinning for the security and stability of the region.  The relationship with the US is one of great breadth and depth. The AUSMIN consultations, conducted at such a senior level, are extremely valuable for both Australia and the United States and are indicative of the excellent state of that relationship.

This year's meeting coincides with the 50^th anniversary of the signing of the ANZUS Treaty. The Treaty has provided a fundamental framework for the development of a remarkably close and productive relationship at all levels between the two countries.

Media inquiries:
Matt Francis (Mr Downer's Office)
Lyndall Sachs (DFAT) 6261 2912
Ross Hampton (Mr Reith's Office)
Tim Bloomfield (Defence) 6265 1807