The counterparts discussed plans to further deepen cooperation, including progressing the objectives outlined following the 2020 Australia-US Ministerial (AUSMIN) meeting.

Minister Reynolds stressed the need to enhance bilateral force posture initiatives, defence industry co-operation, and regional activities alongside global partners — particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

“We reaffirmed the Indo-Pacific as a key alliance focus, and that Australia and the United States will continue to work side by side with allies and partners to maintain a region that is secure, prosperous, inclusive and rules-based,” Minister Reynolds said.

“We agreed it is vital that we continue working together across the breadth of our relationship as the Indo-Pacific region evolves and faces new challenges.”

The counterparts also acknowledged that 2021 would mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the ANZUS Treaty.

“The Australia-US Alliance has never been more important as we look ahead to our strategic challenges,” Minister Reynolds added.

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“I look forward to meeting with Secretary Austin in person when circumstances permit and also to welcome him to Australia later this year for the 2021 AUSMIN meeting.”

Minister Reynolds concluded: “After more than a century since we first fought side-by-side, the shared values and unwavering defence relationship between our two countries remain unbreakable.

“We share sophisticated strategic and economic shared interests, common values and deep historical and cultural bonds.”

[Related: US reaffirms support for Taiwan amid Chinese aggression]