U.S. – Australia Relations

U.S. Presidential Representative Australia-America Friendship Week

Canberra — 8 May 1998

Media release
08 May 1998

I warmly welcome President Clinton’s appointment of Ambassador Marc Ginsberg and Mrs Janet Ginsberg as his personal representatives for Australia-America Friendship Week. Ambassador Ginsberg has a distinguished background in diplomatic, trade, investment and security affairs and has been a close adviser to President Clinton for many years.

Ambassador Ginsberg and Mrs Ginsberg are participating in various Friendship Week activities and attending a number of Battle of the Coral Sea commemorative events from 1 to 10 May. The commemorations provide the opportunity to reaffirm that the ANZUS alliance remains as relevant as ever for both countries.

The Battle of the Coral Sea was fought in May 1942 and proved to be a turning point of the war in the South Pacific. It laid the foundation for the Australian-American alliance.

The continuing presence of the United States has been a vital element in ensuring the security of the region through the enormous changes that have taken place since the War. Fifty-six years on our partnership continues to serve regional and global stability and prosperity and is testimony to the strong bonds of friendship between the United States and Australia.

Above all, we remember with gratitude the sacrifices of the Americans and Australians who fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the many battles which followed.

Original document from www.pm.gov.au.

Last update: Monday, 19 November 2007 GMT+1000