Boosting alliance in the field of Defence capability and technology.
United States of America and Australia have signed defense trade treaty Australian on Thursday.
Reports say Defence Minister Stephen Smith and US ambassador Jeffrey Bleich exchanged diplomatic notes in Canberra to formally bring the Australia-US Defence Trade Treaty into force.
The Treaty reflects the two countries’ commitment to strengthening the alliance in the field of Defence capability and technology.
US Secretary of State John Kerry says the Treaty enables American and Australian troops to get the best technology in the fastest way possible.
“It will expand our reach and help defend our interests around the world.” – Secretary Kerry
He says the creation of an approved community of users makes it easier for two defense industries to collaborate in developing and fielding new technologies.
He underlines that Australia is already a significant defense trade partner of the United States and one of its closest allies. Secretary Kerry says this treaty deepens both countries relationship even further.
Alliance stronger than ever
Sharing common values when it comes to democracy and human rights, the United States of America and Australia have reaffirmed commitment to strenghten their bilateral relations in the 21st century.
US-Australian relationship is more united, collaborative, and strong.
US could not have had a better friend then; it couldn’t have a better friend today if Australia does not exist.
US says one of the reasons that their relationship is so strong is that Australia is a vital partner in the United States efforts, begun by President Obama several years ago, to strengthen our reengagement in the Asia Pacific region.
US and Australia colloborate on world issues
Both countries are dealing with a wide range of issues, from promoting maritime security to supporting democratic development, and also supporting the development of human rights in places such as Burma, the Pacific Islands, and empowering regional institutions, like ASEAN, APEC, and the East Asia Summit.
Both countries also have discussed the implementation of their force posture with Australia, and with this effort, American Marines are operating with their Australian counterparts to enhance regional security and to build capacity to be able to respond to natural disasters and crises.
US is appreciative that Australia is now serving on the UN Security Council.
The US believes that their membership on the council will allow for an even closer working relationship, and particularly for collaboration on pressing global issues, including Syria, the Middle East peace process, and North Korea particularly.
Both countries are working very, very closely with their Australian allies and others in order to assure a smooth economic and security transition that honors what the two nations have been committed to all along, and that is a free and a sovereign Afghanistan.
Flourishing bilateral trade and investment for both countries
According to Secretary Kerry, both agree on the need to break down barriers between trade and to promote much greater commerce across the region, lifting the standards, the rules, the economic rules of the road.
Both countries are working very closely on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and that will create a great deal more economic trade opportunity throughout the region.
Both countries also are implementing their Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty, and that will keep both countries safer with new and innovative defense technologies.
US and Australia enjoy a strong bilateral economic relations
U.S. Exports to Australia: Of the 2.1 million containers that go through the Port of Melbourne every year, 96,000 containers come from the U.S. (1 in every 12). Since the U.S.-Australia FTA went into effect, there have been $4.3 billion in exports to Australia from General Electric (approx. $860 million per year). Caterpillar exports to Australia in 2009 totaled $776 million. Harley Davidson’s annual export volumes to Australia include $180 million worth of motorcycles and $45 million worth of parts and accessories.
The United States and Australia enjoy a strong bilateral economic relationship that enhances job creation, wealth and innovation in both countries. From January 1, 2005, when the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force, through 2009, U.S. merchandise exports to Australia increased 40.4%. The United States had an $11.5 billion goods trade surplus with Australia in 2009. In the first quarter of 2010, U.S. exports to Australia totaled $5.1 billion, a 6.3% increase over the same period in 2009. This strong economic relationship exemplifies the benefits of free trade and open investment for U.S. workers and businesses. The U.S.-Australia FTA guarantees U.S. access to the Australian market. More than 99 percent of U.S. exports of manufactured goods now enter duty-free.
US and Australia working together on energy security
According to Secretary Kerry, both share a hope and an expectation that they will increase the energy security dialogue between the United States and Australia, and that’s an opportunity for stakeholders in both countries to come together and explore new ideas for clean energy, renewable energy production, for modernization of energy infrastructures, and efforts to combat climate change.
The United States and Australia are key allies with a history of shared political interests and a future of increased cooperation on trade, technology, and transnational issues.
