By Xinhua
Canberra : Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson Monday declined to comment on a newspaper report that Australia and the US will sign a new security agreement during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings being held in Sydney this week.
The Sydney Morning Herald, one of Australia’s leading newspapers, reported Monday that US President George W. Bush will unveil a new security pact in Sydney this week, granting Australia preferential access to top-secret US military technology and enhancing cooperation on defence and counter-terrorism.
However, Nelson said he had discussed technology issues with US Defence Secretary Robert Gates last week.
Nelson has just returned from a visit to Iraq, Afghanistan and Washington.
He told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio that he, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Prime Minister John Howard constantly discussed issues concerning the US.
“We have been working on technology data access issues through the AUSMIN process. We have a defence acquisition committee,” he said.
“You would expect the prime minister and the president will discuss a range of issues relevant to Australia’s security and the alliance,” he said.
Bush will arrive in Australia Tuesday night for the APEC leaders summit but will head home earlier than other leaders because the US commander in Baghdad will be presenting him with a reassessment report of the recent US military surge in Iraq.