ABC News Online

Former federal government minister Stephen Smith has joined the board of the Perth USAsia Centre.

The centre, based at the University of Western Australia, was launched in 2012.

It aims to strengthen ties between the United States, Australia and the Asian region by serving as a policy think tank and research and teaching centre.

Mr Smith says the institution is important in shaping Australia's strategic and economic relationship with other countries in the Indo Pacific region.

The former minister for foreign affairs, trade and defence says he is pleased to join the centre.

"The work of the Perth USAsia Centre goes to the heart of Australia's and WA's future role in the Indo Pacific region," he said.

This article was originally published at ABC News Online