Readout of the President's Call with Australian Prime Minister Gillard

President Obama spoke with Prime Minister Gillard this evening to offer his congratulations on her assumption of the position of Prime Minister of Australia.  The President praised the special alliance between the United States and Australia and the shared interests, values, and bonds that underpin it.  He and Prime Minister Gillard underscored their shared commitment to closely work together on the broad range of global challenges confronting both countries, including in Afghanistan.