Mr. Vice president , it is an honor to have you in australia. Your commitment to the rule of law in our region is one we welcome. We are delighted you are here. An honor for lucy and i to welcome you and your daughters and your wife. Two out of our three grandchildren, and as we observed earlier, your daughters were showing a great ability and taking care of them. We have had a very productive discussion this morning. We have the strongest and closest ties between our two nations on every level. The Vice President s visit is an opportunity for both of our nations to emphatically reaffirmed those ties and our deep commitment to the alliance. The alliance is as important today as it was more than 60 years ago. Indeed, as it has been for the marks whenat australian and united troops went into war together. Through all of that time, the people of the United States understand that they have no stronger, no more committed, no more loyal partner, ally, then australia in every major contact major contest over 99 years. This year is also the 75th anniversary of the battle of the american andn Australian Naval forces turned back the japanese invaders. And then, they went on to turn them back again and again to keep australia and are region free. We have stood sidebyside in freedoms cause through all those years. Today, those brave men and women of the Australian Defense forces and their American Allies and our partners are fighting goal of with the common utterly destroying isis in the field in the middle east. That is our commitment. In that theater of war and around the world, we are in absolute step. We are totally united with a common purpose and a resolute intent to destroy the threat of field and tothe combat it around the world whether at home or abroad. Our freedom depends on it, and we are committed to it. As 99 years ago, as 75 years ago, in all of those conflicts, we have stood sidebyside, because we are united by values, and commitment to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Our two great nations share so much. Esther we share Vice President , mr. Vice president , you come on the eve of the day in which we honor the sacrifice of over a hundred thousand australians who paid the extreme sacrifice to keep us free. They have done that again and again sidebyside. Wellstralian term that is understood across the pacific. 100 years, sidebyside along with our American Allies. Mr. Vice president , we also stand with you and with President Trump in condemning the behavior, the criminal, of horned use of criminal, weapons use of chemical by resident a by president assads regime. We support the United States response to that shocking crime. In our region, we have spent a lot of time this morning talking about the threat from north korea. This reckless and dangerous regime puts the peace, stability, and prosperity of our region at risk. We endorse and indeed have echoed the calls to china to step up and take responsibility, because china has a leverage and inability to influence north korea leverage and an ability to influence north korea above all others. Week, theearlier this eyes of the world are on beijing, and we seek leadership from china to join the leadership shown by the united australia, and other nations around the world committed to peace. We all china to make that stronger commitment to ensure on china toll call make that stronger commitment to ensure that north korea is kept in check. We are honored by the united region commitment to our which has underpinned our prosperity over the past 40 years. We would not have seen the extra ordinary lifting out of poverty of billions of people in our region had it not been for the peace and stability that has been delivered by that continued, american commitment. Your presence so early in the administration and of the secretary of state and of the defense secretary, and the commitment of President Trump to attend the east asia summit, all of this sends a strong message that the United States is committed to our region, committed to the peace and stability upon which so much depends in every nation. We also discussed economic matters. The United States is, by some considerable margin, australias largest source of foreign investment. The United States is also the leading destination for Australia Foreign investment. In 2015, Australian Investment in the United States was worth 594 billion representing almost double what it was in 2005. The United States investment in australia has the most tripled since then. We have a pretty successful freetrade agreement. Bilateral trade has grown to 70 billion since the United States and australia Free Trade Agreement was formed in 2005. The United States is australias secondlargest trading partner. We will continue this Close Corporation on trade and investment. We had a good discussion on President Trumps commitment on reducing company tax and tax generally in the United States. We to recognize that reducing business taxes is vital to delivering Stronger Economic growth. Business that can use more of their profits for investment will grow, hire more, invest in employment. It is driven by business taxes. We applaud the commitment of President Trump to that, and we are grateful on your update of those plans. We will continue to work more closely together in every field. Our relationship is a very deep one. Ntimate it is carried by millions of australians and americans over a century and more. We have a shared destiny. We always have. We grow closer together, build defense, common strategic goals, shared values, Stronger Economic relationships, and above all, the connections that extend across the pacific. It is a close relationship, it is a family relationship. Our Family Gathering this morning underpins the nature of this very deep friendship, mr. Vice president. I thank you very much for visiting australia. We have had a very good meeting with the foreign minister this morning. You will meet more of our ministers today including the deputy Prime Minister and the trade minister. We have a deep commitment to growing and strengthening this relationship which is so important to our region and our world and the security and prosperity and opportunity for both of our peoples. Welcome, mr. Vice president. Prime ministere turnbow, thank you so much. Thank you for those gracious words and the hostility the hospitality you have shown myself and my family. That you and the australian people have given us something we will cherish the rest of our lives. I am honored to be in australia today to offer greetings from the president of the United States, president donald trump. I spoke with the president this morning, and, mr. Prime minister, he wanted me to offer his best wishes to you and his congratulations on your strong leadership of the commonwealth. Mr. Prime minister, with the strong encouragement of your administration only two days ago as you mentioned, it was my privilege to announce that President Trump will account the leader summit in east asia and the summit in vietnam and philippines this november. I trust that my visit here today , on my very first trip to the asiapacific as Vice President of the United States, and the s to travel toan the region this fall are a strong sign of the enduring commitment to this historic lightman Historic Alliance between the peoples of the United States and australia. As i told the Prime Minister today, australia is and always will be one of americas closest allies and truest friends. We are partners in security, and we are partners in prosperity. Together, we are bound our Historic Alliance. Under President Trump, i can assure you that the United States is committed to strengthening our bond for the benefit of all of our people and for the benefit of the world. The relationship between our nations stretches back for generations. Onward oral see coral sea onward, our french it has been forged in the our forged in has been the fire of sacrifice. I join you in honoring those fallen us trillion minute and women who have paid the ultimate those fallen australian mint and women who have paid australian men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. So many of our generations have served together, sacrificed together, and defended our freedom and all we hold deal. Foundationents the of an unshakable bond between United States and australia. Even now, our servicemen and women fight together against isis. Around the world, we are deepening our relations. We will continue to deepen our security collaboration in the days ahead. The historic United States and Australia Alliance is more vital than other two Regional Security and austerity. In recent years, we have stepped up our sharing of intelligence and cyber security. We will continue to conduct joint military exercises to ensure our readiness. As the Prime Minister and i discussed, our nations will continue to uphold a rulesbased system which is the foundation of peace and prosperity in the asiapacific. Wille south china sea, we defend the fundamentals of freedom of navigation and overflight. We will promote peaceful the dramatic dialogue to address issues of global concern. As the promised her and i reaffirmed, under President Trumps leadership and yours, the United States and australia will continue to stand firm and strong to confront the most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and prosperity in the Northern Pacific in the asiapacific, the regime of north korea. While all options are on the table, i can assure you that United States will work closely with australia and our other allies in the area to bring diplomatic pressure to bear on pyongyang. Mr. Prime minister, know that President Trump and i are truly grateful to you for calling on china even this week to pay play a more active and constructive role in addressing the north korean threat. The president has great confidence that china will properly deal with north korea, and i know you show that hope. As President Trump made clear just a few days ago, if china is unable to deal with north korea, then the United States and our allies will. The United States and australia face this threat and every other one together, because we know our security is the foundation of our prosperity. Today, the Prime Minister and i discussed ways to promote renewed prosperity between our peoples. We are already building on a strong foundation, our trade agreement is a study in success. While he can still make more progress, it is the model of what a mutually beneficial trade agreement can be. Today, australia is one of the night it states the united s tates largest trade partners in the world. Our investment has grown significantly in the past three years alone. We still have room to grow. Today, the Prime Minister and i discussed the need to break down areas and discussed the kind of policy we need to continue to promote trade and benefit both of our peoples. Beyond our commercial partnership, the president and i are confident that this Historic Alliance between the United States and australia will grow stronger in the years ahead. Ourere is are more is commitment more evident than in the topic the Prime Minister just addressed so eloquently and passionately, the global fight against terror. The people of the United States will never forget that australia invoked our security treaty for the first and only time following the september 11 terrorist attacks which claimed the lives of nearly 3000 innocent people including 11 australians. The support that australia showed the United States in our darkest hour will never be forgotten. Australia has also not been spared. The four lone wolf terrorist attacks conducted over the past few months were inspired by this global terror. The people of australia can be assured that we will not rest and not relent until together we drive this evil from the face of the year. Close, let me just say it is an honor to be here on behalf of President Trump to say from our hearts that this is sort alliance between the United States and australia is immutable. It is a begin that shines throughout the asiapacific and inspires a wider world. Valuesred history and bind us together as we look towards what lies ahead. It is always heartening to stand the hot stand beside a friend, and i do so today. Prime minister, know that the alliance between the United States and australia will go grow stronger, and our people closer. W and so, we go forward with faith in our Historic Alliance and shared values, and faith that the best days for America Industrial you are yet to come. America and australia are yet to come. Thank you, mr. Prime minister. It is an honor to be with you today. Pri k you, esther thank you, mr. Vice president for those heartfelt words. We now have some questions, and i believe the first is from maria. This question is for both of australiaay, does the does australia have an increased role to play in moderating the north korean threat . If so, what is that role . Thank you. We work very closely with our ally and all of our friends in the region. The Global Community is committed to the end of this reckless and dangerous conduct. The challenge now is for china, because they have as i have said and this is not a political point but a statement of fact, china has the greatest leverage over north korea. There is no doubt about that. So, i have made this point to the Chinese People over chinese leaders over a long period of time. It is self evident that china has the opportunity and responsibility to bring pressure to bear on north korea to stop this reckless and dangerous trajectory upon which they have embarked. We will work closely with United States as we always do. At this stage, the support we ofe provided at the level diplomacy and Public Diplomacy both private and Public Diplomacy is of critical importance. Quietlyhare we are confident that china will step up to this challenge and responsibility. For more thance a generation, there has been a consensus in the Global Community for a nuclear free Korean Peninsula. In the 1990s, it was the subject of negotiations, and in agreed framework was made. Embracedadministration a policy of strategic patience all along the way the regime of north korea answered the World Community with broken promises and continued, headlong pursuit of their nuclear and Ballistic Missile ambitions. As President Trump has made clear, and as i have made clear as i travel around this region, the era of strategic patience is over. Under the president s leadership and working closely with our , the United States is determined to bring economic and diplomatic pressure to bear working with all of our allies and china to achieve a nuclear free Korean Peninsula. Are on the table. The United States is prepared to do what is necessary in conjunction with our allies to see to the security of this region and of our own people. We are hopeful in fact, in President Trumps words, we have great confidence that china, with the encouragement of the United States and our allies, and we are grateful to say with the strong encouragement in leadership in australia, that china will take advantage of their unique position in relationship with north korea to bring an end to their nuclear and Ballistic Missile programs. We call on them to do that. The president observed recently that china in a real sense is the economic lifeline for north korea. They have already taken steps which we greatly welcome, intervening in coal shipments and commercial travel. We believe china can do more. On behalf of the president , i am very grateful that even this week australia has taken steps to engage with china directly and encourage them to take more steps to bring that economic and the dramatic pressure to their. Pressure to bear. Make no mistake that the United States is committed to seeing this forward, in achieving what has eluded the low global the World Community for generations which is a nuclear free Korean Peninsula. Justin from bluebird. Thank you, justin from bloomberg. That you, mr. Prime minister, what steps are you taking to improve trade after the president stepped out of ttp . Mr. Vice president , i want to follow up on north korea. Some recent statements from the administration earlier, there was some controversy regarding the timing of an armada that the president has sent to the region which has led to mockery from the north korean and chinese media. They say it essentially underlies undermines the u. S. Credibility. The president made a recent statement that china is just now making some unusual movements when it comes to north korea. When it comes to trade, we have continuing discussions, but at this stage the australian and u. S. Trade agreement is working well. In terms of trade generally, australia has been a great beneficiary of free trade and open markets. [laughter] helicoptert let that pass. We have been greatly beneficial of free trade and open markets. We have strongly supported ttp as being in our national interest. President trump has discontinued engagement in the plan, as is his right. Each nation is engaged in protecting their Economic Security first and foremost. So, the United States must make its own judgment on that. We look forward to more trade. President trump is an international businessman. He can hardly be described as somebody who is not used to the benefit of International Trade and commerce. He understands it very well, but he obviously will decide, as the Vice President and i discussed today, he will decide new trade deals to what extent they work in americas interest. That is the sovereign right and obligation of every nation and leader. At this stage in terms of the bilateral laden ship, it is proceeding very well. It is proceeding at pace. Have beents of it evident since its origin in its origin in 2005. Vice pres. Pence the president has made it clear that america has taken steps. The Transpacific Partnership is a thing of the past or the United States. As we move forward with the president s philosophy of an america first, Foreign Policy and trade policy will continue to pursue opportunities for expanded commerce, but we will do so on a bilateral basis. I trust that my travels through the asiapacific this week give evidence to the fact that this administration is committed to building both our security and economic relationships with countries all across this region. We do believe that bilateral trade agreement between the United States and australia is a winwin for our countries. As i said earlier, we think it is a model agreement for how to encourage investment and trade between nations. Initiateds ahead, we and economic dialogue initiated an economic dialogue that i in the deputy Prime Minister of japan will take forward it to expand economic relationships with japan. We had a discussion of our freetrade agreement while i was visiting the area, but i think you will see a continued commitment from President Trump to trade with this region on a by lateral on a bilateral basis. In regards to the uss carl vinson in the carrier group, our understanding is that they will be in the sea of japan in a matter of days, before the end of the month. The decision was set into motion some time ago. Nations, mostthat especially the regime of north korea, should make no mistake about is that the United States has resources, personnel to see to our interests and security of those interests and our allies. What the president was referring to in regards to china is encouraging news after his summit at the white house with president xi. President trump engaged president xi in a candid and respectful discussion about chinas engagement with north korea. The steps thatn china is taking, in many ways unprecedented steps, bringing economic pressure to bear on north korea. We still believe china can do more. We are very grateful for the clear message that the Prime Ministers government and australia are sending to the chinese to do just that. This is a time when i think you will continue to see the United States and our allies in the region Work Together to encourage china to take the steps necessary to bring about a peaceable solution, to achieve a nuclear free Korean Peninsula. Thank you. My question is in regards to the refugees. President , President Trump said [inaudible] can we infer that President Trump has given final approval to that deal proceeding . If so, how many refugees will be resettled into United States . Vice pres. Pence let me make it clear, the United States intends to honor that an agreement that agreement. Trump has made it clear that we will honor the agreement. It does not mean we admire the agreement. Pastng back on the administration, the president has never been shy about expressing frustration with certain agreements so was such as the socalled Nuclear Agreement with iran. That the United States of america will honor the agreement. We have initiated the process of fulfilling that agreement subject to the results of the that in processes results of vetting process is that processes the vetting that all immigrants to the United States are subject to. Mr. Vice president , we thank you again for your continued commitment. One that speaks to it ever reservations that the president has about the deal. Nonetheless, it speaks volumes about the commitment and they integrity and the of President Trump and or administration to honor that commitment President Trump and your administration to honoring that commitment. It is a very important commitment, and we thank you for restating it today. Vice pres. Pence i would just add, if i may the Prime Minister made a case for the agreement with the president , and the decision to go forward i think can rightly be seen as a reflection of the enormous importance of the Historic Alliance between the United States and australia. What ever reservations the president may have about the details, the agreements reached , wehe Prior Administration will honor the agreement out of respect for that in a loosely important alliance. That enormously important alliance. Take you very much, sir. Andrew . Mr. Vice president , the administration is ramping up pressure on north korea. I wonder what you think the endgame is here . What makes you think the regime will give up the weapon systmes systems which are perhaps security its best for its own survival. Also, would you consider more joint operations in the region . Vice pres. Pence this is just a very serious time. The president sent me to this region to engage with our allies and to reaffirm on the alliances that we have, and to also make it very clear that the era of strategic patients is over strategic patience is over. The United States is determined to work with our allies and especially china to achieve the objective of a nuclear free Korean Peninsula. We believe that can occur peaceably. Owing to the new engagement from china. Think thegard, i world is seeing President Trumps leadership. Sense, a a very real bottom line worsen elects to get to the point bottom line theon who likes to get to point. During his meeting with had aent xi, they wideranging discussion on a variety of topics, but on the topic of north korea, the president made it clear that we were looking to china to step up and use it unique relationship with north korea to achieve an end to the Nuclear Ambitions and Ballistic Missile ambitions of that regime. We are encouraged by the steps china has taken thus far. That being said, we also want to make it clear that all options are on the table. The United States is prepared to work with our allies to ensure the security of our allies in to ensure thed security of the people of the United States of america. Nuclear weapons at the hands of the regime in pyongyang with a Ballistic Missile program and with the potential for intercontinental Ballistic Missiles represents a threat to the security and stability in this region and the continental United States. Continuing on the path that the world has been on with north korea over the past 25 years is just unacceptable. Again, we continue to be hopeful , and we continue to have great we can finally, after a generation, achieve a peaceable solution. I want to reiterate again the gratitude of United States of america for the strong support that our ally here in australia has provided to this effort even this week meeting with highranking officials in china, urging them to do more and to bring economic and diplomatic pressure to bear. Alliesy believe, as our in the region and china bring that pressure to bear, that achieve a chance we can that historic objective of a nuclear free Korean Peninsula by peaceable means. Thank you, mr. Vice president. As we described, we show that minute. We share that commitment. We are absolutely united in our determination to achieve a nuclear free Korean Peninsula. That has been the goal of the Global Community for many years. The time has come now to realize it. You asked about the south china sea, and i would repeat what we have said consistently for many years which is that australia has no territorial claims in the south china sea. We are committed to freedom of navigation and overflight. Any territorial disputes should be dissolved should be taking care of peaceably and in accordance of international law. We call on all parties to refrain from accidents that would exacerbate tensions. In particular, we call on all parties to refrain from militarizing any features in the south china sea, any disputed features in particular in the south china sea. The critical thing to understand as both the Vice President and i have observed, is the prosperity of everybody in this region and every nation has been underpinned by decades ,f peace and stability supported by the strong commitment of the United States to this region. That is why we so welcome the commitment of President Trumps new administration. This is a historic visit. It underlies the importance of the american commitment to our region, the sheet anchor, the bedrock to peace and stability upon which the prosperity of billions depends. Thank you all very much indeed. Congress returns this week with a looming deadline for funding the federal government. Members have until friday to pass a temporary spending bill to stop a potential government shutdown. We will get more details from a capital reporter. Reporterappropriations lecall