"We talked about strong relationships in the past and the fact that we intend to make it even stronger in the future." Mr Rudd also announced Australia had no plans to increase the number of troops stationed in Afghanistan.

He responded to reports in today's Herald that, according to Senator Obama's campaign adviser on Asia policy, the first priority of the new US administration's dealings with Australia would be to seek help in winning the war in Afghanistan. Mr Rudd said Australia's troop contribution in Afghanistan, where more than 1000 defence personnel are serving, would not be bolstered in the near future. "Of the non-NATO countries contributing to Afghanistan at the moment Australia has the largest contingent. That is a fact," he said.

"We've got no plans to increase that [contribution] in the future but of course we look forward to discussing that in the future." Mr Rudd said the matter did not come up directly in this morning's conversation, saying that Senator Obama had been voted in only two days ago and that it would be two months before he assumed office.

Mr Rudd said he did not take the opportunity to invite Senator Obama to Australia, but said that he was always welcome in Australia. "I'm convinced we're going to have a first-class working relationship. His message of hope for America is equally a message of hope for the entire world. "The challenges we face are common. When it comes to climate change, the financial crisis and security, we must work together."