The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong ahead of the 35th Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). Secretary Rubio reiterated that the United States has no better friend, partner, or ally than Australia, and highlighted progress made in implementing the landmark Critical Minerals Framework signed by President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Albanese in October. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Wong also discussed their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing cooperation to combat online scam operations and supporting further strategic infrastructure projects across the Pacific.
