Washington DC, 14 July 2022 (TDI): Deputy State Secretary of the US, Wendy Sherman, spoke with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Secretary, Jan Adams, on Wednesday.
Deputy Secretary Sherman shared the details of her call with the Australian diplomat in a tweet.
Good to speak with @dfat Secretary Jan Adams and congratulate her on her new role. We spoke about close U.S.-Australia coordination around the world and regional developments in the Indo-Pacific. https://t.co/kQeGsm3mZP
— Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) July 14, 2022
Agenda of the Call
During the telephonic call, Secretary Sherman congratulated Adams on her new role and discussed close US-Australian coordination worldwide.
The Deputy State Secretary highlighted the important work of the Quad and conveyed her concerns about recent developments in the Indo-Pacific.
Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary Adams also discussed the COVID-19 pandemic. They outlined opportunities to continue collaborating with partners and allies to advance peace and stability in the region.
US-Australia Relations
Australia is a vital ally, partner, and friend of the US. The two countries maintain a robust relationship underpinned by shared democratic values, common interests, and cultural affinities. The US and Australia celebrated 80 years of their diplomatic relationship in 2020.
The partnership of these countries promotes peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world.
US and Australia have exceptionally close bilateral and defense ties. They have fought side-by-side for more than one hundred years in every major conflict since World War I.
Maintaining freedom of navigation and other legal uses of the sea, notably in the South China Sea, is vital to both states. Australia and the US work together with allies in the Quad to address the most pressing challenges in this area.
In September 2021, Australia, the UK, and the US announced an enhanced trilateral security partnership, i.e., AUKUS. This further solidifies security cooperation between the partners.
US and Australia also share a long history of cooperation in other areas. This includes health cooperation, space, science and technology, emergency management cooperation, and social security.
Both states are great allies and look forward to enhancing their diplomatic relationship through different endeavors.
