Australia's new Prime Minister Julia Gillard has assured US President Barack Obama of all-out to the military campaign in Afghanistan. She said she had told him by phone he should expect to see Australian efforts in Afghanistan continuing. Australia has about 1,550 soldiers in Afghanistan, mostly training Afghan National Army recruits. Ms Gillard became Australia's first female PM after ousting her predecessor Kevin Rudd in a leadership challenge. I assured President Obama that my approach to Afghanistan will continue the approach taken to date by the Australian government, she told reporters. Ms Gillard said Australia and the US had a strong and enduring relationship. She said President Obama had expressed regret at having to twice postpone a visit to Australia.
