CANBERRA, May 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Flights between Australia and the United States will see armed sky marshals on board as a new anti-terror effort, according to an agreement signed between the two countries Saturday.

    The agreement was signed by Justice Minister Chris Ellison and US ambassador to Australia Tom Schieffer in Perth, South Australia.

    Under the deal, US air marshals will patrol US-registered flights and their Australian colleagues guard Australian flights between the two countries.

    "This agreement with the United States is particularly significant given the barbaric terror attacks in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001," Australian Broadcasting Corporation quoted Ellison as saying.

    Air marshals have been on flights between Australia and Singapore since late last year. And Canberra expects to reach deals with more countries to introduce air marshals.

    "In the current security environment, all governments must work together to increase the security of the public and to maintain public confidence in Australia's vital aviation industry," Ellison said. Enditem