Australia's prime minister elect, Kevin Rudd, has said he has emphasised the core role of the US in Australian foreign policy.
Mr Rudd had a coversation with President George W Bush following his victory in yesterday's election.
But he has pledged to pull 550 Australian troops from Iraq in a phased withdrawal.
Addressing his first news conference since being elected yesterday, Mr Rudd refused to be drawn on whether he had discussed the issue when Mr Bush called to congratulate him.
He also said that he plans to visit the US next year.
