MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
I spoke to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this morning about the earthquake in Haiti and her scheduled travel to Australia.
Secretary Clinton expressed her regret that, due to the unfolding crisis in Haiti and the urgency of US and international humanitarian efforts, she needed to return to Washington immediately and reschedule her planned visit to Australia and other countries in the region.
We agreed, due to the seriousness of the situation and the pressing needs of the people of Haiti, to postpone the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN).
As a result of postponing AUSMIN, US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will also reschedule his visit to Australia.
I advised Secretary Clinton that Australia would work with the United States and the international community to provide urgent assistance to Haiti.
Secretary Clinton and I looked forward to holding AUSMIN at a mutually convenient time later this year.