Washington, DC - This afternoon, the President spoke by phone with Australian Prime Minister Turnbull to review a number of bilateral and regional issues. The President thanked Prime Minister Turnbull for Australia's important contributions to the fight against ISIL.
The two leaders reaffirmed their common commitment to key principles in addressing maritime disputes, in particular ensuring freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of disputes, including through arbitration, in accordance with international law. The President underscored his commitment to securing Congressional approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership this year, and thanked Australia for its cooperation on the Paris agreement on climate change. The two leaders also discussed the need to work together to address the global glut in steel.