Clinton to visit Australia for annual foreign policy, defence talks

SYDNEY (AFP) - United States (US) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit Australia next month for annual foreign policy and defence talks between the close allies, Canberra said on Saturday.

US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta will be with Clinton when she visits the western city of Perth on Nov 14 for the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (Ausmin), Foreign Minister Bob Carr said.

"Australia's alliance with the United States continues to be the bedrock of Australia's defence, security, and strategic arrangements," Mr Carr said in a joint statement with Defence Minister Stephen Smith.

Ausmin is held annually, alternately in Australia and the United States.