Australia, US, Japan praise China for Asia engagement
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-03-19 09:01

Downer said the three countries were committed to helping Beijing participate fully in the region.

"I think we all pretty much agree, even if we use different language, we want to have a constructive relationship with China," Downer said.

He praised China's role in attempting to convince North Korea to return to international talks on its nuclear programme, an outcome called for in the joint communique.

In the statement, the trio also expressed serious concern over Iran's uranium enrichment program and urged Tehran to return to talks with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Authority, and comply with its demands.

"We have grave concerns about Iran's nuclear programme and discussed the need for concerted action at the UN Security Council to convince Iran to promptly suspend all enrichment-related activities," they said.

Downer urged Iran to abandon its decision to proceed with its "so-called research program into uranium enrichment."

"We are concerned that they aren't showing a great deal of intention to do that," he said.

Iraq was also discussed but Downer refused to give details on a possible timetable for the withdrawal of Australian or Japanese troops.

"There was obviously discussions about many aspects of the Iraq issue and I am not getting into those kinds of issues publicly," he told reporters.

The talks coincided with a 500-strong Sydney protest to mark the third anniversary of the war in Iraq.

Organizer Anna Samson called for the immediate withdrawal of foreign troops.

"The US needs to admit that the military approach is not the answer to peace in Iraq," she told AFP.

Taro Aso held bilateral talks with Downer later Saturday during which the ministers agreed to strengthen their joint efforts to stamp out terrorism and build their strategic relationship.

Rice left Australia Saturday for her return flight home.