U.S. – Australia Relations

Trilateral Strategic Dialogue Ministerial Meeting - Joint Statement by the United States, Japan and Australia

Washington, D.C. — 21 September 2009

Joint statement
21 September 2009, New York City

The Foreign Minister of Australia, Mr. Stephen Smith, the Foreign Minister of Japan, Mr. Katsuya Okada, and the Secretary of State of the United States, Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, met in New York City on September 21, 2009 for the fourth ministerial meeting of the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD) to exchange views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. All three Ministers agreed that the TSD was an important mechanism for accomplishing substantive work on many of the most pressing security issues facing the Asia-Pacific Region. The three countries remain committed to the trilateral process as an effective forum for the promotion of their governments’ shared values, ideals, and interests.

The Ministers discussed ways in which trilateral cooperation can be advanced to meet future challenges, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The Ministers held discussions on a number of issues relevant to the national interests of all three nations and to the international community as a whole. The Ministers re-commit to the trilateral initiatives already underway in a variety of areas, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The three Ministers reaffirmed the value of holding regular Trilateral Strategic Dialogue meetings, including at the ministerial level, to enhance coordination and cooperation.

Original document from www.foreignminister.gov.au.

Last update: Tuesday, 15 December 2009 GMT+1100