Tweet
US President Barack Obama has arrived in the Australian capital Canberra, his first visit to the country since taking office. His two-day visit will also mark the 60th anniversary of the military alliance between Australia and the U.S.
Obama is scheduled to meet the country's prime minister Julia Gillard and address the Australian Parliament. Later in his trip, Obama will travel to the city of Darwin, where he is expected to announce plans for an expanded US military presence, where thousands of US troops will train and participate in more joint exercises with the Australian military.
Mr Obama has twice cancelled visits to Australia- one back in March 2010 as he worked to pass healthcare reform legislation and then in June the same year amid the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
After his stop in Darwin, Obama will fly to Indonesia for a summit of ASEAN leaders.
U.S. President Barack Obama waves after arriving at Fairbairn Defence Establishment on the first day of his 2-day visit to Australia, on November 16, 2011 in Canberra, Australia. The President will today receive a Cermeonial Welcome, attend a bi-lateral meeting and hold a joint media conference with Julia Gillard, and attend a Parliamentary Dinner this evening, before addressing Parliament and heading to Darwin tomorrow. See more
