US: Rudd, Obama reaffirm countries' close alliance
25 Mar 2009 5:36 AM
WASHINGTON DC, March 24 AAP/Agencies - US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd reaffirmed the close Australia-US alliance during a 70-minute meeting at the White House on Tuesday.
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 of the world's leading economies in London on April 2.
Mr Obama said the US had not yet completed its review of the coalition strategy in Afghanistan but said "there's going to be close consultation between our two governments".
However, he did not respond directly to a question about whether Australia would be asked to contribute more in Afghanistan for a war that is becoming increasingly unpopular among Australians.
"The American people, just like the Australian people, are always frustrated with the need to send our young men and women overseas for extended periods of time," Mr Obama said.
"But I think that the American and the Australian people also recognise that in order for us to keep our homeland safe, in order to maintain our way of life, in order to ensure order on the international scene, that we can't allow vicious killers to have their way, and we're going to do what is required to ensure that does not happen."
Australia has 1,100 troops in southern Afghanistan and it's expected Washington will eventually ask for a boost in that commitment - though the government doesn't necessarily believe the request will come during meetings this week or next between Mr Rudd and Mr Obama.
Mr Obama said he hoped to partner with Mr Rudd for "years to come" after forging a "meeting of the minds" in their first White House talks.
He said he thought Mr Rudd had been doing a "terrific job".
"I'm very grateful for ... Prime Minister Rudd's friendship, he has been one of the people I call on many occasions," Mr Obama said.
The two leaders will talk again at the G20 summit.
