Foreign Minister Bob Carr and Defence Minister Stephen Smith today announced that the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) with United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta will be held in Perth on 14 November.

AUSMIN is the premier forum for strengthening Alliance cooperation on foreign policy, defence and strategic matters.

It is held annually, with the venue alternating between Australia and the United States. The last AUSMIN was held in San Francisco on 15 September 2011 marking 60 years of the ANZUS Alliance.

AUSMIN 2012, the fifth AUSMIN meeting since November 2007 and the fourth with the Obama Administration, reflects the enduring strategic importance of the Alliance.

Australia’s Alliance with the United States continues to be the bedrock of Australia’s defence, security, and strategic arrangements.

Australia works in close partnership with the United States to advance shared security interests in the region and globally.

Both countries are committed to military and civilian efforts in Afghanistan to prevent it from again becoming a base for international terrorism, and are working closely in the Asia-Pacific region to promote peace and prosperity.

Senator Carr and Mr Smith’s discussions with Secretary Clinton and Secretary Panetta in Perth will further advance the close ties between Australia and the United States.

Media Contact:

Minister Carr’s Office (02) 6277 7500 

Minister Smith’s Office (02) 6277 7800