I warmly welcome the generous greetings President Clinton has sent
to all Australians on the occasion of Australian-American Friendship
Week and as part of commemorations to celebrate the 57th
anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea. I fully share the President's
views on the close and valuable partnership which as good friends
and allies our two nations share. Through that partnership we continue
to work together to advance the common interests not only of Australia
and the United States but of all people who cherish peace and the
freedom which democracy brings.
An important foundation of this partnership was the Battle of the
Coral Sea in May 1942, a remarkable battle that changed the course
of the Pacific War. From the courage and patriotism that our forces
came to respect so much in each other, the bonds of a firm and true
friendship have grown between our nations and our peoples, a friendship
which, in its most mature form, is embodied in the strong alliance
between our two countries.
The bonds formed between us fifty-seven years ago retain their relevance
and vitality in these very different times. They are reflected in
many ways: in the continued success of the ANZUS treaty; in our close
cooperation on regional and international issues; in the many contacts
between Australians and Americans; in our shared desire for a resilient
global economy; and in our concerted efforts to eradicate the scourge
of narcotics.
Australian-American friendship endures because it rests upon shared
liberal democratic values. But the democracy we enjoy today was paid
for through the courage and personal sacrifice of the young Australians
and Americans who fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea and in the
many military campaigns that followed. We are forever in their debt.
We shall continue to honour and remember them.
I welcome the announcement that the United States Ambassador to Australia,
Genta Hawkins Holmes, will be President Clinton's personal representative
for Australian-American Friendship Week and the 57th Anniversary
of the Battle of the Coral Sea. Ambassador Hawkins Holmes will participate
in a number of events, in commemoration of the battle, in Sydney and
in Canberra.
7 May 1999