Australia has been identified by the US as one of its key allies in enhancing missile defence around the globe.
In a speech in Washington DC, Frank A. Rose, the State Department's assistant secretary for arms control, verification and compliance, discussed missile defence systems and plans in Europe, Turkey, Romania, Poland, the Middle-East, Japan and Korea.
"We also continue to consult closely with Australia," Rose told the audience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Tuesday.
"For example, as a result of US-Australia foreign and defence ministerial-level consultations over the past year, the United States and Australia have established a bilateral BMD (ballistic missile defence) working group to examine options for potential Australian contributions to the BMD architecture in the Asia-Pacific region."
Rose said his role is focused on enhancing strategic stability around the world.
"Arms control, verification and compliance are some of the tools we use to enhance strategic stability and reassure our allies and partners that we will meet our security commitments," he said.
