    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 37 (Monday, September 17, 2001)]
    [Pages 1295-1297]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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 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

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    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-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.

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