Julie Bishop - Member for Curtin

Meeting with Kurt Campbell

Friday, 07 May 2010

The Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday held constructive discussions on a range of issues with the United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Dr Kurt Campbell.

Ms Bishop said the meeting canvassed issues such as existing regional diplomatic architecture, regional security, bilateral relations throughout the Asia Pacific, Afghanistan, Indian Ocean rim countries, the upcoming elections in Burma, and the anticipated visit to Australia of President Obama .

“While there are many areas of mutual interest, it is valuable to hear the US perspective in detail from one of the Obama Administration’s senior foreign policy officials,” she said.

“There is a range of security challenges in our region, including Burma and North Korea, and it is vital that the international community maintains a unified approach to dealing with rogue regimes.

“A future Coalition Government would continue to work with the United States to promote regional security and build stronger relations through the Asia Pacific.”