Prime Minister Scott Morrison and US President Joe Biden spoke about the relationship between Australia and the United States at a dinner at Australian Parliament House on 28 March to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty hosted by the United States Studies Centre, American Australian Association Ltd and Perth USAsia Centre.
“It is an alliance forged in war and deepened in peace - constructed on our shared liberal democratic values and our common destiny. For seven decades it has been the foundation stone of our national security,” Mr Morrison said.
“On this anniversary, I re-affirm the pledge I have said many times, Australia may look to the United States, but will not leave it to the United States.”
In a video message conveyed by Dr Kurt Campbell, National Security Council Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific, President Biden told the Alliance Dinner the ANZUS partnership was essential to our shared safety and prosperity.
“Seventy years ago, our countries came together at the Presidio in San Francisco to sign the ANZUS Treaty, establishing an enduring partnership to strengthen the fabric of peace in the Indo-Pacific region.”
“As allies, the United States and Australia are working shoulder to shoulder to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, promote clean energy technology, combat climate change, strengthen supply chain resilience, and defend our shared values against authoritarian challenges,” Mr Biden wrote in a letter.
A highlight of the evening was lighting up Australian Parliament House with the Australian and United States flags as a symbolic gesture to show the continuity of the ANZUS spirit.
USSC Chairman Mark Baillie said the 70th ANZUS anniversary highlighted moments in our shared history and the indivisible bonds that underpin the relationship.
“Australia and the United States have worked side by side during adversity, disaster and exploration, and while the alliance was borne out of conflict, its objective was to secure peace and prosperity,” Mr Baillie said.
Other speakers at the Alliance Dinner included Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Canberra Michael Goldman, Australian Ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos AO and former Prime Minister John Howard OM AC.
Although the ANZUS Treaty was signed San Francisco on 1 September 1951, it did not come into force until 29 April 1952.
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