Miliband meets Clinton for the first time

Tuesday, 3 February 2009 12:00 AM

By politics.co.uk staff

Foreign secretary David Miliband has met his American counterpart, Hillary Clinton, for the first time.

The two had discussion in Washington before holding a joint press conference. It is the first face-to-face talks between a British minister and the new US secretary of state.

"Our two countries have stood side by side for a very long time," Mrs Clinton said.

"And we just had a broad discussion about a range of issues which are facing the United Kingdom, the United States and the world. It's fair to say we share fundamental values and fundamental objectives."

She also thanked Britain for contributing troops to the conflict in Afghanistan.

"It's often said the US and Great Britain have enjoyed a special relationship, and it's certainly special in my mind. Whoever is in the White House this relationship really stands the test of time," she added.

Mr Miliband said the talks were "detailed, substantive and friendly".

The two politicians, who have both had secret and not-so-secret dreams of becoming leader of their respective parties, appeared friendly and comfortable together as they spoke to journalists.

"On a personal note, I hope you know the admiration and respect you're held in in the United Kingdom," Mr Miliband told Mrs Clinton.

The foreign secretary said the pair had discussed Israel and Palestine, the Iranian nuclear issue, Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I think all European foreign minister who come here this week will bring a strong message that we have heard what the Obama administration has said about working with allies, but we also know allies have to step up to build a strong working relationship," Mr Miliband continued. "We all have to work better to make the international community achieve more."

Just before president Barack Obama was inaugurated Mr Miliband made a pivotal speech saying the government no longer found the term 'war on terror' - originally coined by the Bush administration - useful.

The speech was interpreted as an attempt to appear politically close to the incoming Obama presidency.

Tags:
• foreign policy
,
• north america