Visiting U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney on Friday thanked Australia for its friendship and role in the "war on terror."

Cheney expressed the gratitude while addressing the Australian American Leadership Dialogue in his first major appearance since arriving in Sydney, Australia's largest city, Thursday night for an official visit to Australia.

"Having stood together in every major conflict of the last 100 years, the U.S. and Australia now stand together in the decisive struggle against terrorism," Cheney was quoted by Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio as saying.

He said that if the U.S.-led coalition leaves Iraq before domestic forces can handle security, the violence would spread throughout the country and beyond.

Cheney will meet Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who has been a staunch U.S. ally in Iraq in spite of growing domestic pressure from the opposition and the public to reduce Australia's involvement.

Cheney, who has just ended his visit to Japan, said the United States, Japan and Australia are strengthening their trilateral security ties.

"I hope Prime Minister Howard feels the same way and will underscore that commitment on his visit to Japan next month," he said.

He said the growing closeness of the three countries sends an unmistakable and united message to the region.

Meanwhile, anti-war activists greeted Cheney with protests. Ten protesters were arrested during clashes with police at Sydney's town hall Thursday night ahead of Cheney's arrival.

A number of protesters were arrested in demonstrations held to coincide with Cheney's speech in Shangri-La Hotel Friday morning.

Source: Xinhua