Obama Ready to Fight ISIL, Foster TPP With Australia’s Turnbull

The United States and Australia will continue their cooperation to conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal as well as to fight against the Islamic State, White House announced in a release on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US President Barack Obama in a phone call congratulated Australia’s new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on his selection to the post.

"The [US] President said he looked forward to working with Prime Minister Turnbull on the range of issues that are of mutual interest, including regional security, the conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the continuing effort to address national security concerns such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant," the release read.

Turnbull officially swore in as the 29th Prime Minister of Australia on Tuesday after defeating Tony Abbott in a late night Liberal Party vote.

In a separate phone call on Wednesday, Obama thanked Tony Abbott for his contribution to the relationship between the United States and Australia.

Australian Defense Minister Kevin Andrews said on Wednesday that Australian fighter jets carried out their first airstrike on ISIL jihadist group positions in Syria.

Last month, Australia received a formal request from the United States to expand its role in the fight against ISIL in Syria, deploying the Royal Australian Air Force in the region. Canberra did not agree immediately, but at the time promised to consider the decision, alongside its readiness to enter into combat.