Australian Prime Minister John Howard Wednesday reiterated that the Australian troops would remain at their current levels in Iraq.
Howard said several times in a week that Australia will not pull troops out of Iraq until the Iraqis can look after their own security.
The Australian government is facing greater domestic pressure on the deployment of Australian troops in the war-torn Middle East country, triggered by recent British troop withdrawal from Iraq's Basra.
Howard on Wednesday met with visiting U.S. President George W. Bush, who arrived here Tuesday night for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting on Sept. 8 to 9.
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting with Bush, Howard said they discussed a number of vital issues including Iraq, Iran, lasting settlement between Israel and the Palestinians and climate change aspects of APEC.
"In our discussions I made it very clear to the president that our commitment to Iraq remains," he said.
"Australian forces will remain at their present levels in Iraq, not based on any calendar but based on conditions on the ground," he added.
"Until we are satisfied that a further contribution to ensuring that the Iraqis can look after themselves cannot usefully be made by the Australian forces, they will not be reduced or withdrawn," the prime minister said.
Bush thanked Australia for its contribution to Iraq, saying it was important for Australia's security that its troops remained in Iraq.
"It's historic work, Mr. Prime Minister, and it's important work and I appreciate the contribution that the Australians have made," he said.
Australia still maintains about 1,450 troops in and around Iraq.
Meanwhile, Australian and U.S. officials will hold further discussions on strengthening the military links between the two countries.
Howard said the officials would discuss increasing the capacity for U.S. and Australian military forces to train together in Australia.
They would also discuss further cooperative efforts to develop access and capability for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and enhancing military exchange programs and joint operations.
Source: Xinhua
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