Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia's prime minister said on Saturday he will discuss with President Barack Obama regional security and combatting the Islamic State movement when he visits Washington this month.
Malcolm Turnbull will make his first visit to the United States as prime minister on Jan. 18 and 19.
"The alliance with the United States is fundamental to Australia's national security," his office said in a statement.
Besides Obama, Turnbull plans to meet with senior administration officials and congressional leaders. He will underline "Australia's enduring commitment to the alliance and in particular Australia's ongoing commitment to an effective response to regional and global challenges, including combatting ISIL in Iraq and Syria," the statement added.
Discussions will also focus on advancing the United States and Australia's shared vision for the Asia-Pacific region, including the ratification and implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
While in Washington, Turnbull will deliver a security speech to the Center for Strategic and International Studies and promote Australia as a trade and investment destination to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Turnbull replaced Prime Minister Tony Abbott in September in a surprise leadership ballot of lawmakers in the ruling conservative party.
Australia has six jet fighters based in Dubai flying missions against Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria as well as soldiers engaged in non-combat roles in Baghdad.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
