US and Australia: Friends For 75 Years
As a strong ally, the United States of America congratulated Australia as the Pacific nation celebrated ‘Australia Day,’ highlighting the strong alliance between the two nations.
In his remarks in Washington DC, US Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated the people of Australia as they commemorate the establishment of the first European settlement in Sydney, in 1788.
“Happy Australia Day, and may the year ahead bring peace and prosperity to the Australian people and continued success and fortune to your great nation.
“ – Secretary Kerry
Australia Day is celebrated every January 26. The day is considered the national holiday as Australian citizens take time to come together to celebrate their country and culture.
US And Australia Strong Allies
According to Secretary Kerry, it is over 75 years since both first established diplomatic relations.
“The United States has no better friend and ally than Australia.” – Secretary Kerry
The US Secretary underscored that the alliance between the two Pacific nations is anchored on the bedrock of shared values and history.
Both nations have also nurtured and maintained peace, prosperity, and democracy in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.
Working Together
According to Secretary Kerry, the United States and Australia collaborate on a range of important commercial, academic, cultural, and environmental pursuits.
For one, the recently-concluded Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is an important opportunity to further deepen the trade and investment ties between the two countries.
In addition, the United States’ National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council are working together to uncover new ways to understand, treat, prevent, and cure brain disorders like Alzheimer’s, autism, and epilepsy.
In the field of counterterrorism, both nations are working closely together on countering ISIL and terrorism worldwide, including efforts to address the challenge of foreign terrorist fighters and violent extremism.
“Australia will continue to be our indispensable partner as we face together, with optimism and firmness of purpose, the challenges and opportunities of 2016.” – Secretary Kerry
the Frienship Is Real
Both the United States and Australia share some common ancestry and history. Both countries have been British colonies. Both countries had native peoples who were dispossessed of their land. Both have been part of the Western alliance of nations in various wars. There are numerous other similarities, according to Wikipedia.
The first Australian visit by a US President was that of Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966, to seek support for Australia’s ongoing involvement in the Vietnam war. Australia had previously sent advisers and combat troops to Vietnam. In 1992, George H. W. Bush was the first of four US Presidents to address a joint meeting of the Australian Parliament.
