Vice President Biden met with Foreign Minister Bob Carr of Australia today at the White House.  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 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.  The Vice President and the Foreign Minister discussed a range of regional and global challenges, 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.