U.S. – Australia Relations

Agriculture Secretary Johanns Will Visit Australia, New Zealand

Washington, D.C. — 18 August 2005

Plans to attend Quint Ministerial Meeting, participate in bilateral talks (440)

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns will travel to Australia and New Zealand August 17-23 to attend the Sixth Quint Ministerial Meeting in Brisbane, Australia, and participate in bilateral talks in Auckland, New Zealand, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced August 17.

The Quint trade group, formed in 1989, is composed of agricultural ministers from the United States, the European Union, Japan, Canada and Australia who meet periodically to discuss developments in international trade in agriculture and food products and other issues of mutual interest.

Following is the USDA press release:

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U.S. Department of Agriculture
News Release

Release No. 0314.05

Contact:
Ed Loyd (202) 720-4623
Mary Rekas (202) 720-3415

JOHANNS ANNOUNCES TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2005 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns will travel to Australia and New Zealand August 17-23 to attend the 6th Quint Ministerial Meeting hosted by Australia and then continue on to Auckland, New Zealand for bilateral talks.

"Trade reform through the WTO Doha negotiations is one of our top priorities and the Quint countries have a historic opportunity to reinvigorate and lead the negotiations," said Johanns. "I look forward to meeting with my counterparts from the Quint countries, visiting New Zealand and promoting new economic opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers."

Johanns will arrive in Brisbane, Australia Aug. 19 to participate in the Quint Ministerial Meeting. The Quint trade group, formed in 1989, is composed of agricultural ministers from the United States, the European Union, Japan, Canada and Australia who meet periodically to discuss international trade and other issues of mutual interest. Johanns will also hold bilateral meetings with each Quint counterpart on the sidelines of the meeting, including Minister Andy Mitchell of Canada, Minister Peter McGauran of Australia, Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel of the European Union and Minister Mineichi Iwanaga of Japan.

Quint meetings were instrumental in establishing the World Trade Organization that came out of the Uruguay Round Agreement. They provide an opportunity for agriculture ministers to set forth their countries' trade issues and work toward compromises. Ministers often use the venue to vet ideas before presentation to the larger global community of nations.

Following the Quint meeting, Johanns will visit New Zealand for bilateral talks about future trade opportunities with New Zealand, between Aug. 21 and 23. While there, Johanns will meet with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton, National Party agriculture spokesman David Carter and other ministers and trade representatives. Johanns will also visit several beef, dairy and sheep farms.

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Original document from Washington Hyperfile [EPF405].

Last update: Monday, 19 November 2007 GMT+1000