[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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