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Washington’s new Defence Secretary has reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to advancing the strategic interests underpinning the US-Australia alliance in a meeting with Defence Minister Linda Reynolds.
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Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds has held discussions with new US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for the first time, in a bid to reaffirm the Biden administration’s commitment to the US-Australia alliance.
The counterparts discussed plans to further deepen cooperation, including progressing the objectives outlined following the 2020 Australia-US Ministerial (AUSMIN) meeting.
Minister Reynolds stressed the need to enhance bilateral force posture initiatives, defence industry co-operation, and regional activities alongside global partners — particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
“We reaffirmed the Indo-Pacific as a key alliance focus, and that Australia and the United States will continue to work side by side with allies and partners to maintain a region that is secure, prosperous, inclusive and rules-based,” Minister Reynolds said.
“We agreed it is vital that we continue working together across the breadth of our relationship as the Indo-Pacific region evolves and faces new challenges.”
The counterparts also acknowledged that 2021 would mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the ANZUS Treaty.
“The Australia-US Alliance has never been more important as we look ahead to our strategic challenges,” Minister Reynolds added.
“I look forward to meeting with Secretary Austin in person when circumstances permit and also to welcome him to Australia later this year for the 2021 AUSMIN meeting.”
Minister Reynolds concluded: “After more than a century since we first fought side-by-side, the shared values and unwavering defence relationship between our two countries remain unbreakable.
“We share sophisticated strategic and economic shared interests, common values and deep historical and cultural bonds.”
[Related: US reaffirms support for Taiwan amid Chinese aggression]
