U.S. SENDS BEST WISHES TO PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA ON AUSTRALIA DAY

FROM:  STATE DEPARTMENT 
Australia's National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
January 23, 2014

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Australia as you celebrate Australia Day on January 26.

Though we live in different hemispheres and at opposite ends of the globe, the relationship between the United States and Australia really is as close as it gets.

Many years ago, as a young Naval Officer in Vietnam, I saw the strength of our partnership firsthand. And I see it again today. From the mountains of Afghanistan to the icy waters off Antarctica, Australia and the United States are working diligently, side by side, to create a better world for all people.

Our nations are bound by common values and aspirations for freedom, democracy, and shared prosperity. That’s why we are working together to complete an historic Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement that will grow our economies and create thousands of jobs in both our countries.

And that’s why we are strengthening our partnership to address critical global challenges, from climate change to promoting the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula to supporting good governance and gender equality throughout Southeast Asia.

As you celebrate Australia Day, the United States stands with you as an unwavering partner and ally. I wish all Australians peace and prosperity in the coming year and continued success to your great nation.

AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL DAY

Map:  Australia.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Australia's National Day
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
January 23, 2013

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the Australian people as you celebrate Australia Day this January 26.

During my recent visit to Australia I was reminded of the strong bonds that unite our two countries. We are cooperating on more issues than ever before, from strengthening security to space exploration, from expanding educational exchanges to increasing trade and commerce. We are also working tirelessly to advance the causes of freedom, democracy and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and across the globe. All of this is reinforced by the ties of family, friends, values and principles.

As you celebrate your national day with loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as a committed partner and friend. I wish all Australians a safe and happy holiday celebration and continued peace and prosperity in the coming year.

Canberra from the air. This view of Australia's capital includes the Parliament Building, Lake Burley Griffin, and the Black Mountain (telecommunications) Tower. Photo Credit: CIA World Factbook.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
Aboriginal settlers arrived on the continent from Southeast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans began exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession of the east coast in the name of Great Britain (all of Australia was claimed as British territory in 1829 with the creation of the colony of Western Australia). Six colonies were created in the late 18th and 19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has transformed itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy. It boasted one of the OECD's fastest growing economies during the 1990s, a performance due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980s. Long-term concerns include ageing of the population, pressure on infrastructure, and environmental issues such as frequent droughts.