Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has stressed his country's strong interest in a more active foreign policy. Rudd made the comment during his visit to the US.

Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has stressed his country's strong interest in a more active  foreign policy.  (CCTV.com)

Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Minister, said, "The new Australian government I lead is committed to building a strong prosperous outward looking Australia. Our strategic goals are to maximize global and regional stability and to ensure the global economy remains open. Through this we believe we can enhance our economic prospects, not just for Australia but for all nations. We approach our task as a nation, that is one fully committed to global engagement."

Rudd was speaking to the independent think-tank the Brookings Institute on a wide range of foreign policy issues.

This included the conflicts in Afghanistan and the withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq.

Rudd stressed the first pillar of Australia's foreign policy is the alliance with the US.