Australia low on Obama's phone call list

Washington/Canberra, Jan.27 (ANI): Unlike the Bush administration, which went out of its way to project Australia as a key ally, the Barack Obama presidency is yet to get in touch with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

In the last week, Obama has made telephone calls to leaders in the Middle East, Britain, Russia, France, Germany and Canada, but is yet to pick up the phone to Kevin Rudd, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Rudd said last week he would be writing to Obama to offer him congratulations and Australia's support in shouldering the challenges of the global financial crisis, climate change and war in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

"The Prime Minister and President Obama have spoken on several occasions over the last 12 months," Rudd's office said today.

"The Prime Minister and President will continue to work together on a coordinated response to the global financial crisis throughout the remainder of this year," it added.

The Prime Minister's office said the contents of the letter to President Obama would not be made public.

Rudd had a friendly chat with Obama after his election win last November.

Veteran diplomat Richard Broinowski said Obama was simply prioritising American's most important allies. He also said that Obama may not call Rudd at all. (ANI)