60th Anniversary of ANZUS Treaty

60th Anniversary of ANZUS Treaty

Press Statement
Mark C. Toner
Deputy Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 1, 2011

Today we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty, which remains a keystone of our relationship with Australia and an enduring force for stability in the wider region.

Few nations share closer ties than Australia and the United States. Australia promptly invoked its alliance obligations following September 11—something Americans will long remember. The brave men and women of our armed forces have fought side by side in every major battle since the First World War. Today, our soldiers, diplomats, and aid workers are working together in Afghanistan. Equally important, we have strengthened our cooperation across other significant challenges - from environmental degradation to our joint commitment to economic development in Africa and the Pacific.

We look forward to welcoming Australian Foreign Minister Rudd, Defense Minister Smith, and their colleagues later this month at the Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) consultations. AUSMIN will take place at San Francisco’s Presidio complex, where the original ANZUS documents were signed 60 years ago today. We will to continue to strengthen this significant alliance in the decades to come.

ENDS

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