I will visit Japan and the United States from 4-13 June. This visit, my first to each country as Foreign Minister, will enable me to establish contact with Government and other senior figures in two of Australia's most important international partners.
Japan is one of a very small number of countries of vital importance to Australia.
The visit will underline the high priority the Government attaches to maintaining and strengthening these links. The United States is Australia's second largest trading partner, our primary security ally and a key partner on a wide range of regional and global issues. During my visit from 6-13 June, I will have meetings in Washington with senior members of the Clinton Administration, Congressional leaders and other senior figures. I then propose to visit New York for three days, 10-13 June, to make high level representations for our United Nations Security Council candidature and advance Australia's views on UN reform issues. An important part of our strategy for election to the Council is that we continue our high level of involvement and interest in the UN's work, including reform issues and peace keeping, to reinforce our credentials for membership of the Council and to work for a more efficient, effective and credible United Nations.