Aussie PM Gillard Speaks to Congress
CNN reports:
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard pledged true friendship with the United States Wednesday and encouraged the nation that inspired her youth by landing on the moon to be bold in shaping the 21st century.
In a speech to a joint meeting of Congress, Gillard backed the U.S. policy in Afghanistan but warned against failing to fully complete it, and called for a brave and innovative U.S. approach to economic reforms in the wake of the global recession.
Her voice appeared to catch as she told how watching the moon landing in 1969 made her believe Americans could do anything.
"I firmly believe you are the same nation that amazed me," Gillard said, adding: "I believe that still, you can do anything."
The address was part of a U.S. visit that included a trip to a Boston school with President Barack Obama to emphasize the importance of education, as well as appearing at a State Department event Tuesday on International Women's Day.
It was Gillard's first Washington visit since she won election last year as Australia's first female prime minister.
Gillard made clear that the shared democratic values of Australia and the United States stood above any possible policy differences.
"Distinguished members of the Senate and the House, you have a true friend down under," she said to a standing ovation, calling her nation "an ally in war and peace, an ally in hardship and prosperity" and adding that "Australia is also an ally for all of the years to come."
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