US Vice President Biden meets with Australian foreign minister

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden met with Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr at the White House Monday. "The Vice President underscored the strength of the partnership and friendship between the United States and Australia, highlighting the shared values and common purpose that have linked our governments and our peoples in alliance for more than six decades," the White House said in a statement. "The Vice President noted the indispensability of our close collaboration with Australia in Asia and the Pacific, as we both seek to promote peace and security, shared prosperity, and a rules-based order in the region and around the world." According to the statement, Biden and Carr discussed a number of issues, including North Korea and the Middle East peace process. "The Vice President expressed appreciation for Australia's role on the United Nations Security Council and highlighted opportunities for closer collaboration on a range of global issues," the White House said.