(VOVworld) – Australia would be an utterly dependable ally of the US, said Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott in a meeting with US President Barack Obama at the White House on Thursday. Abbott also voiced his support for a shift of US security policy towards the Asia-Pacific. This is the first meeting between PM Abbott and President Obama since Abbot took office last September. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Obama praised Australia’s decision to increase its defense budget despite economic difficulties, saying that the two countries should enhance their defense cooperation to “maintain the world’s peace and security”. The two also discussed maritime issues and humanitarian aid in Asia.