Trade Minister Mark Vaile today welcomed comments from United States Trade Representative, Bob Zoellick, and Secretary of Agriculture, Ann Veneman, echoing the Cairns Group objective of placing agriculture firmly on the agenda in any new round of World Trade Organisation negotiations.

The US representatives were special guests to the 22nd Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

"As chair of the Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting, I am delighted that the senior agriculture and trade representatives of the United States Administration have joined us in Punta del Este," Mr Vaile said.

"Their constructive participation is appreciated by the Cairns Group countries, because the United States is such a key player in the world's trading system.  Their presence here also clearly confirms their recognition of the Cairns Group's stature as the third force in the WTO agriculture negotiations.

"Ambassador Zoellick indicated that the USA is eager to eliminate export subsidies, increase market access and reduce trade-distorting domestic support, making the US and the Cairns Group 'natural partners'.  He also placed on the record his belief that agriculture must play a significant role in any new WTO negotiations.

Building on a long history of cooperation between the Cairns Group and the United States, dating back to the Cairns Group inception 15 years ago, Mr Vaile emphasised the similarities between the Cairns Group and the US approaches.

"Like the Cairns Group, the United States is calling for an ambitious negotiating outcome which would result in fundamental agricultural reform.  We had a positive and active discussion with them on the ways to build on the congruence of our interests in the lead-up to Doha," Mr Vaile said.

Secretary Veneman also outlined the Bush Administration's plans to ensure the consistency of their approaches to the Farm Bill process and the WTO agriculture negotiations. 

The Cairns Group outlined its expectations that, through the Farm Bill process, the United States would send a strong message about its commitment to ongoing liberalisation.

Time Difference - Uruguay is 13 hours behind Canberra