US Secretary of Defence in Australia next week

The Australian Minister for Defence, John Moore, today announced that his United States counterpart, the Hon. William S. Cohen, would visit Australia from 15 - 17 July.

Mr Moore said that it would be a timely visit and one that he appreciated, given intensified pressures on the Clinton Administration in its final months in office. Secretary Cohen will come to Australia directly from a visit to China.

"I look forward to wide-ranging discussions with Secretary Cohen," Mr Moore said. "Our talks will include security trends and developments in the region, bilateral issues such as access to US technology, and the Australian Government's Defence White Paper."

The discussions will take place in Sydney on Monday 17th July.

"Secretary Cohen's visit provides an opportunity for important dialogue between our two countries, particularly on Defence issues," said Mr Moore.

High-level dialogue between Australia and the US is an ongoing process. Mr Moore is currently in the United States for meetings with senior American officials.

For more information on Australian Defence go to www.dod.gov.au or link to:

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