.lT.hird Time’s The Charm: Obama To Visit Australia

President Obama has added a stop in Australia to an already busy foreign travel schedule this November, the White House announced today.

The president will make a third attempt at a trip Down Under to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Australia Alliance on Nov. 16 through 17.

The White House cancelled two planned trips to Australia in 2010, one because of the health care debate, the other for the BP oil spill.

The trip comes immediately after the president hosts the APEC Leaders Meeting in Hawaii and right before the East Asia Summit in Bali, Indonesia later that week.

Here is the full White House announcement:

“At the invitation of Prime Minister Gillard, the President will visit Australia on November 16-17 in connection with the 60th anniversary of the ANZUS alliance, which plays a critical role in the security of the entire Asia-Pacific region. Australia is one of the United States’ closest allies and our troops have served together bravely in Afghanistan and conflict zones throughout the world. This visit will immediately follow the APEC Leaders Meeting hosted by President Obama in Hawaii and will provide the two leaders an opportunity to build on the APEC agenda and expand bilateral cooperation to increase global economic growth, trade and jobs. The President looks forward to consulting closely with the Prime Minister on global and regional issues in preparation for the East Asia Summit to be held later that week in Bali, Indonesia.”