Western Australia premier to vie for more US Navy port calls during US visit

Western Australia premier Mark McGowan is set to join prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and other officials on a visit to the US during which he will present Western Australia’s defense capabilities.

McGowan is to meet with US Navy secretary Richard V. Spencer to discuss Western Australia as a suitable location for additional future ship visits by the US Navy.

The premier will also engage in a series of meetings to highlight Western Australia’s capacity as a supplier, manufacturer and repairer for the defense sector.

“During my meeting with the US Secretary of the Navy, I will draw on WA’s historic relationship with the US and promote our state’s capacity for additional ship visits,” McGowan said.

“WA has a long history of US Navy visits and we have a strong reputation for the quality of our ship repair, tourism and hospitality industries. Additional ship visits to WA will inject many millions of dollars into the WA economy and would help create more local jobs.”

Following his five-day visit to Washington DC, McGowan will travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to spend two days meeting major resource, education and tourism providers.