[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-

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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.