Australian PM 'Stand Firms' Behind US-Afghan War Strategy

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard reaffirmed her support for the war in Afghanistan and pledged cooperation with the United States on issues in the Asia-Pacific region during an address to the U.S. Congress.
Prime Minister Gillard delivered what she called a "simple message" as she became the first head of state to address Congress since new members were elected in November.
"A message which has been true in war and peace. A message which has been true in hardship and prosperity, in the Cold War and in the new world. A message I repeat to you today. Distinguished¹ members of the Senate and the House, you have a true friend down under""
The Australian prime minister said she stands firm in support of the U.S.-led strategy in the decade-long war against the Taliban and is "cautiously optimistic" about the future of Afghanistan.
"We know the transition will take some years. We must not transition out only to transition back in."
Australia is the strongest non-NATO U.S. ally, with more than 1,500 troops in Afghanistan.
Gillard also pledged cooperation in the Asia Pacific region, where she said the global order is changing the most. She acknowledged both countries' complex relationship with China, but said the United States should not fear China's rapid growth as it bares the burden of its own tough economic times.
"There is no reason for Chinese prosperity to detract from prosperity in Australia, the United States or anywhere else in the world," said Gillard.
In a direct appeal to lawmakers, Prime Minister Gillard urged them to make tough economic reforms and to pass legislation opening the door for more free trade in the Asia-Pacific region.
"We know the equation is simple. Trade equals jobs, a very simple equation."
The Australian prime minister also noted² what she called the "momentous³" upheaval⁴ in the Middle East, and pledged her alliance with the United States in condemning⁵ Iran's nuclear program, and in a call for an Israeli-Palestinian resolution.
Gillard is wrapping up a three-day trip to Washington - her first since becoming Australia's first female prime minister last year. She meet this week with President Barack Obama and several key Cabinet members, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

1 distinguished   

adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的

参考例句：

• Elephants are distinguished from other animals by their long noses.大象以其长长的鼻子显示出与其他动物的不同。
• A banquet was given in honor of the distinguished guests.宴会是为了向贵宾们致敬而举行的。

2 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

3 momentous   

adj.重要的，重大的

参考例句：

• I am deeply honoured to be invited to this momentous occasion.能应邀出席如此重要的场合，我深感荣幸。
• The momentous news was that war had begun.重大的新闻是战争已经开始。

4 upheaval   

n.胀起，(地壳)的隆起；剧变，动乱

参考例句：

• It was faced with the greatest social upheaval since World War Ⅱ.它面临第二次世界大战以来最大的社会动乱。
• The country has been thrown into an upheaval.这个国家已经陷入动乱之中。

5 condemning   

v.（通常因道义上的原因而）谴责( condemn的现在分词 )；宣判；宣布…不能使用；迫使…陷于不幸的境地

参考例句：

• The government issued a statement condemning the killings. 政府发表声明谴责这些凶杀事件。
• I concur with the speaker in condemning what has been done. 我同意发言者对所做的事加以谴责。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》