Australian Defense Minister Brendan Nelson yesterday declined to comment on a newspaper report that Australia and the United States will sign a new security agreement during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings being held in Sydney this week.

The Sydney Morning Herald, one of Australia's leading newspapers, reported yesterday that US President George W. Bush will unveil a new security pact in Sydney this week, granting Australia preferential access to top-secret US military technology and enhancing cooperation on defense and counter-terrorism.

However, Nelson said he had discussed technology issues with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week.

Nelson has just returned from a visit to Iraq, Afghanistan and Washington.

He told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio that he, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Prime Minister John Howard constantly discussed issues concerning the United States.

"We have been working on technology data access issues through the AUSMIN process. We have a defense acquisition committee," he said.

"You would expect the prime minister and the president will discuss a range of issues relevant to Australia's security and the alliance," he said.

Bush will arrive in Australia this night for the APEC leaders summit, but will head home earlier than other leaders because he will be presented a report by the US commander in Baghdad a reassessment report of the recent US military surge in Iraq.