WASHINGTON — US President Barack Obama called for the full implementation of plans to station US troops in Australia as he congratulated incoming prime minister Tony Abbott, the White House said Thursday.
Obama late Wednesday telephoned Abbott, whose conservative Liberal Party swept back to power Saturday after six years, as well as outgoing Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, a close ally of the US leader.
“The president and prime minister-elect discussed ways to further strengthen the US-Australia alliance, including by implementing fully the force posture initiatives announced by the United States and Australia in November 2011,” a White House statement said.
Read the full story at DefenseNews