    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [September 10, 2001]
    [Pages 1092-1094]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement Between the United States of America and Australia
    September 10, 2001

        President George W. Bush and Prime Minister John Howard today reaffirmed the strength and vitality of the
    bilateral relationship between Australia and the United

    [[Page 1093]]

    States, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the alliance between the
    two countries. The President and the Prime Minister expressed the
    conviction that the alliance has been a pillar of stability in the Asia-
    Pacific region and has made an essential contribution to global peace
    and security over the past half century. The Prime Minister welcomed the
    clear commitments expressed by the President to continued active U.S.
    engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. They agreed the U.S. presence in
    the region helped contribute to the stability that was essential to
    ensure economic growth and greater prosperity for all countries in the
    Asia Pacific.
        President Bush and Prime Minister Howard
    discussed a broad range of regional and global security issues. Both
    underscored the importance of Indonesia's successful democratic
    transition and expressed support for Indonesia's territorial integrity.
    Noting the positive steps President Megawati and her team have taken to promote policy reform
    and national unity, President Bush and Prime Minister Howard reaffirmed
    their support for the new government's efforts to build a stable,
    united, democratic and prosperous Indonesia. The two leaders welcomed
    the peaceful election in East Timor and emphasized the importance of
    continued international support and assistance, including through the
    United Nations, to ensure a successful transition to a stable, viable
    and independent state.
        The President and the Prime Minister agreed
    that the economic transformation underway in China will have a major
    impact on the region and the world. The President and the Prime Minister
    welcomed the prospect of China's accession to the WTO and affirmed their
    desire to see China take up a constructive role as a full member of the
    international community. In this context, they reaffirmed the importance
    of China's observance of its non-proliferation undertakings and
    underlined their close interest in China's respect for human rights. The
    President and the Prime Minister agreed that Japan makes an important
    contribution to regional stability, emphasized the importance of Prime
    Minister Koizumi's reform initiatives, and
    expressed optimism that continued reform will produce significant
    benefits over time for the people of Japan and for the global economy.
    On the Korean Peninsula, President Bush and Prime Minister Howard
    reiterated their strong support for renewed North-South engagement. The
    Prime Minister welcomed the United States' offer of dialogue to North
    Korea following the Administration's policy review and encouraged North
    Korea to respond positively. The two leaders welcomed the growing
    opportunities for political, commercial and security cooperation with
    India.
        President Bush and Prime Minister Howard
    expressed shared concern about the threat to global stability posed by
    ballistic missile proliferation and weapons of mass destruction and
    increasingly capable ballistic missiles as a means of delivery. They
    agreed on the need for a comprehensive approach to counter these
    threats, including enhanced non-proliferation and counter-proliferation
    measures as well as continued nuclear arms reductions. They also agreed
    that missile defense could play a role in strengthening deterrence and
    stability as part of this comprehensive approach. The Prime Minister
    looked forward to further consultation with the United States on these
    issues and welcomed the Administration's active dialogue on the issue
    with allies as well as Russia and China.
        The President and the Prime Minister
    resolved to work together closely to expand trade globally, regionally
    and bilaterally. They agreed that launching a new global trade round in
    Doha is a top trade priority for both nations. They emphasized that
    agriculture must be a core element of the next trade round in order to
    level the playing field. They confirmed their commitment to achieve open
    markets in the Asia-

    [[Page 1094]]

    Pacific region, including using APEC's full potential more effectively.
    The President and the Prime Minister reaffirmed their commitment to
    enhance their already close economic relationship, including the
    possibility of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). They discussed
    the contribution an FTA could make to their shared global and regional
    trade objectives. They noted the strong trade and investment flows
    between the United States and Australia and the spur an agreement could
    give to further growth. They asked their trade ministers to report back
    to them before the end of the year on how to advance the proposal. The
    President noted the importance of consulting with Congress and other
    interested parties in deciding the Administration's position on the FTA.
        President Bush and Prime Minister Howard
    agreed that climate change poses a serious long-term challenge. The
    President and the Prime Minister recognized that climate change is a
    global issue requiring a global approach and expressed their commitment
    to develop an effective and science-based response.
        The President and the Prime Minister greatly
    enjoyed their discussions, which were characterized by unusual warmth
    and candor. They believe the meeting strengthened their personal
    partnership and the partnership between their two nations. The goodwill
    generated today will be valuable in moving forward on their common
    agendas.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.