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Defence Minister Marise Payne has met with US President Donald Trump’s pick to take up the role of US ambassador to Australia.
US Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris was in Canberra this week for the for annual Australia-US Military Representatives (MILREPS) meeting that is co-chaired with Australian Defence Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin.
During the meeting, Minister Payne and the Pacific Commander discussed shared defence and security interests between the US and Australia.
The highly decorated naval officer will take up the role of US ambassador to Australia, pending confirmation from the US government. John Berry held the same role from 2013-2016.
ADM Harris graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1978 and was designated a naval flight officer in 1979. He earned an MPA from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, an MA from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, and attended Oxford University.
During his 39-year career, ADM Harris served in every geographic combatant command and has held seven command assignments, including the US Pacific Fleet, the US Sixth Fleet and VP-46.
Both the federal government and opposition have welcomed his nomination.
ADM Harry Harris @PacificCommand is visiting Canberra to discuss shared ???? defence & security interests. Pending US confirmation, I look forward to many more opportunities to affirm the alliance!#100yearsofmateship pic.twitter.com/AKXSioXd4u
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