Australian newly-appointed FM affirms relationship with U.S.
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Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd Saturday used his first public appearance since being appointed foreign minister, to underline the importance of Australia's relationship with the United States.
Rudd, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich, faced the media on the shore of Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin, and observed that Saturday was the ninth anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks in New York and Washington.
Rudd declared that many diplomatic challenges and opportunities were ahead for Australia, its friends and partners.
"The cornerstone of Australia's foreign policy and security policy is our alliance with our great friends and partners in the United States," Rudd told reporters in Canberra on Saturday.
The two nations were bonded by their resolve to defeat terrorism and were fighting side by side in the war in Afghanistan.
"Let us on this day and the period ahead reflect carefully and solemnly reflect on those who have lost their lives, not just there but in terrorist attacks around the world," he said.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador Bleich said the U.S. and Australia faced critical challenges.
"It is great to have a government formed and the announcement of a cabinet so we can renew our effort on those important challenges," Bleich said.
Bleich said he and U.S. President Barack Obama has already spoken to Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, congratulating her on forming government.
"We are confident we are going to continue our extraordinary relationship with Australia under her leadership," he said.
Australian Prime Minister on Saturday announced the new cabinet for the Labor Government in next term, fulfilling her promise to provide Rudd with a portfolio in the front-bench as foreign minister.
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