This week I will visit the United States for a range of meetings and to take part in the 22nd Australian-American Leadership Dialogue (AALD).

 

Australia’s relationship with the United States has been one of our country’s deepest and most enduring, based on shared fundamental values.

 

Our countries share a bond forged in the midst of many conflicts, where our service men and women have literally stood shoulder to shoulder in the cause of freedom.

 

This trip, I will meet United States Vice-President Joe Biden and National Security Advisers to President Obama about security issues including terrorism and energy security.

 

I will also hold talks with Deputy Secretary of State William Burns about significant international developments including the need for an independent investigation as part of the global response to the MH17 tragedy.

 

In New York, I will be briefed by Australia’s UN Mission about efforts to secure a binding resolution at the UN Security Council for an investigation into MH17.

 

I will also be meeting with a number of Congressional, business, economic and science leaders in Washington DC and New York.

 

Along with discussions about the response to the MH17 tragedy, issues such as energy security, climate change and transition to renewable energy will also be discussed.

 

This will be in light of recent policy developments in the US and Australia – and in the lead up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris next year.

 

Australia’s relationship with the United States is remarkably strong and will remain so as we deal with a number of deeply concerning international security issues and ongoing economic challenges.

 

The AALD has been an excellent forum for bringing together high level participants from government, and many areas of business and other sectors to canvass the most significant contemporary challenges that are common to our nations.

 

I will also speak at the Peterson Institute of International Economics and paying my respects at both Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC and the National September 11 Memorial in New York.

 

Deputy Leader Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP will be Acting Leader of the Opposition from today until the morning of Sunday 27 July.

SUNDAY, 20 JULY 2014

MEDIA CONTACT: LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA UNIT 02 6277 4053