PRIME MINISTER
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY EMBARGOED UNTIL DELIVERY
SPEECH BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA
THE HON R J L HAWKE AC NP
ARRIVAL STATEMENT
WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON 27 JUNE 1989
Mr President,
Itts an immense pleasure for me, in these three days in
Washington, to renew our long friendship; and it is a
special pleasure and privilege to join with you, as the
elected chief of the greatest democracy# in re-affirming the
deep and enduring friendship of our two countries. In you,
Mr President, the Western world has an experienced and
forward-looking leader and Australia has a valued and
long-standing friend.
Today, Mr President, I look forward to continuing the
exchange of views, on all the issues affecting our
countries, in the spirit of friendship and frankness which
has always characterised our association, and which befits
the relationship the partnership between Australia and
the United States.
Mr President, we are meeting at a time of historic and
far-reaching change across the world.
There now exist unparalled new opportunities, challenges and
responsibilities for leadership and positive achievement on
crucial issues of peace and security, East-West relations,
economic progress, world trade, and the protection of the
world environment.
You have already demonstrated, Mr President, your
determination to give leadership. Your constructive
approach to East-West relations is demonstrated by your
creative and bold proposal for the reduction of conventional
weapons in Europe. In this, and other arms control
endeavours, aimed at reducing nuclear armaments and banning
chemical weapons, you know you can count on Australia's
support.
In this new and challenging era, the constancy, depth and
vitality of the alliance between Australia and the United
States will remain critically important to the national
interests of both our countries. But it has a wider
regional and, indeed, global significance. Under ANZUS, the
joint Australia-US defence facilities in Australia are
significant elements in maintaining the peace and supporting
the effectiveness of arms control and disarmament
agreements.
Over recent years our co-operation and consultations at the
highest levels have been stronger, broader and more
productive than at any other time since ANZUS was formed.
But our relationship goes far beyond our defence alliance.
It encompasses dynamic economic links and broad and deep
human and cultural associations.
Above all, it is based on the firmest of foundations: our
shared commitment to democracy and to individual liberty
within the rule of law.
Mr President, it is precisely because of the depth and
maturity of our relationship that the differences of views
that do exist between us can be faced openly and honestly
as, for example, on some trade matters, particularly aspects
of agricultural policy.
I am confident that today we will be able to focus on ways
to minimise, if not entirely resolve, such differences. I
look forward to exploring with you means of co-operating in
the current Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations
to achieve some progress towards the goal we both want an
international trading system based on free and fair
competition. I know we both understand that moving in the
opposite direction, towards a world of separate and
competing trade blocs, would be economically disastrous and,
quite possibly, strategically destabilising.
That is one of the reasons, I might add, why earlier this
year I suggested the development of closer regional economic
co-operation in the Asia-Pacific region. The implementation
of my proposal could, I believe, improve significantly the
chances for success in the Uruguay Round as well as acting
as a catalyst for further growth in our dynamic region.
I am very keen, Mr President, to exchange views with you on
this proposal. I welcome, indeed, Secretary Baker's support
last night for a new mechanism for multilateral co-operation
among the nations of the region as an idea whose time has
come. I am delighted that the United States supports my
call for a Ministerial meeting this year as a first step, if
-as I hope and expect -there is a consensus in the region.
And I make this final point: the American presence has been
a prime factor in creating and maintaining the conditions
for stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
America's continuing involvement in our region remains a key
to its future progress.
Hr President, we have before us an imposing agenda for
dialogue. What gives this visit and our discussions their
real substance, however, and what will make them so mutually
beneficial, is the sense of common purpose we bring to these
matters based on our common national and international
interests and our common commitment to peace and freedom.
I thank you again, Mr President, for the warmth of your
welcome. You have visited Australia as Vice-President. I
look forward to welcoming you to our country as President
of the United States, as a true friend of Australia.
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