I warmly welcome President Clinton's appointment of Ambassador
Marc Ginsberg and Mrs Janet Ginsberg as his personal representatives
for Australia-America Friendship Week. Ambassador Ginsberg has a distinguished
background in diplomatic, trade, investment and security affairs and
has been a close adviser to President Clinton for many years.
Ambassador Ginsberg and Mrs Ginsberg are participating in various
Friendship Week activities and attending a number of Battle of the
Coral Sea commemorative events from 1 to 10 May. The commemorations
provide the opportunity to reaffirm that the ANZUS alliance remains
as relevant as ever for both countries.
The Battle of the Coral Sea was fought in May 1942 and proved to be
a turning point of the war in the South Pacific. It laid the foundation
for the Australian-American alliance.
The continuing presence of the United States has been a vital element
in ensuring the security of the region through the enormous changes
that have taken place since the War. Fifty-six years on our partnership
continues to serve regional and global stability and prosperity and
is testimony to the strong bonds of friendship between the United
States and Australia.
Above all, we remember with gratitude the sacrifices of the Americans
and Australians who fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the
many battles which followed.
8 May 1998