Gillard, Obama agree on Afghan strategy

US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Julia Gillard have pledged to put the
world's long-term safety and security first as troops are gradually withdrawn from
Afghanistan and responsibility is handed over to Kabul.
Ms Gillard and Mr Obama held their first formal talks on Saturday, on the sidelines
of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders summit in Yokohama.
The prime minister - who the president personally invited to visit the US next year
- described the two nations as "great mates", while Mr Obama told reporters during a
break in the talks that the US "does not have a closer or better ally than
Australia".
"We are grateful for all the work that we've done together," Mr Obama said.
"And I express my personal thanks to the people of Australia through the prime
minister for the enormous sacrifices that have been made in Afghanistan by
Australian troops."
Mr Obama said he wanted next weekend's NATO summit in Lisbon to bring about "a good
outcome in the region, for our safety and security in the long-term".
Ms Gillard agreed that it was important to get the transition strategy right.
Both nations have already agreed to the "realistic" goal of handing over
responsibility for security to the Kabul government by 2014.
Ahead of the APEC meeting, which is expected to focus on promoting free trade in the
region, Mr Obama said he was intent on ensuring everyone in the region - in which
Australia was "a central player" - was "playing by the rules".
The 35-minute meeting also dealt with America's review of its military role in the
region, and entry into the East Asia Summit process next year.
The president also said he remained committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions,
but acknowledged he faced difficulties with the recent electoral success of the
Republicans.
Both he and the prime minister said they remained committed to action through the
Copenhagen climate change agreement and in their own countries.
They agreed Australia and the US had a shared interest in working closely with
China, and would encourage the Asian giant to free up its markets and get rid of red
tape that hindered investment.
The two leaders also shared a lighter moment when Australian television crewman Dale
Fletcher said at the end of the media conference: "Thank you, Mr President."
Mr Obama took a dig at the American press corps: "I thought it was an Australian
(who said that). Our folks never say thank you."