Fed: Clinton thanks Aust for friendship and leadership

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2009
Fed: Clinton thanks Aust for friendship and leadership

HILLARY CLINTON's thanked Australia for its friendship and leadership in Asia .. as
she heads to the region on her first overseas visit as America's top diplomat.

Ms CLINTON's breaking with tradition to head to Asia .. rather than Europe or the Middle
East .. for her maiden voyage as US secretary of state.

She'll visit Japan .. Indonesia .. South Korea and China.

In a major foreign policy speech before her departure .. Ms CLINTON's signalled Asia
Pacific relations will be just as important as trans-Atlantic partnerships for the Obama
administration.

She's made special mention of Australia .. which missed out a place on the itinerary
.. sympathising over the devastating Victorian bushfires.

AAP RTV so/kms/tm/af

KEYWORD: US AUST (CANBERRA)

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