Australian Climate Change Minister Penny Wong said on Friday the United State's support is critical in building an international agreement on climate change at the United Nation (UN) Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December.

"Our view is that leadership from the U.S. at this time is critical and this administration does have a unique opportunity to influence these international negotiations, to continue to show the leadership they have shown so far in terms of the commitments they have made," Wong told ABC Radio.

According to Australian Associated Press, Wong said the U.S. was interested in Australia's initiatives to help households and businesses deal with cuts to carbon emissions.

"I'd anticipate that that will be an issue we will continue to discuss with them in the days ahead," Wong said.

Wong is currently in New York for talks with U.S. President Barack Obama's environment officials.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2009)