US: Rudd, Obama reaffirm countries' close alliance
25 Mar 2009 5:40 AM
US President BARACK OBAMA and Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD have reaffirmed the close Australia-US alliance during a 70-minute meeting at the White House.
The two leaders discussed the war in Afghanistan but spent the bulk of the meeting discussing the global financial crisis .. ahead of the G20 summit in London next week.
OBAMA says the US hasn't completed its review of the coalition strategy in Afghanistan yet .. but says there's going to be close consultation between the two governments.
He didn't respond directly to a question about whether Australia will be asked to contribute more troops in Afghanistan.
OBAMA says he hopes to partner with Mr RUDD for years to come .. after forging a meeting of the minds in their first White House talks.
He says he thinks the Prime Minister's been doing a terrific job.
