Blair to visit Australia
21/3/2006 17:36
Australian Prime Minister John Howard announced today that his British
counterpart will make an official visit to Australia on March 25-28 at the
invitation of the Australian government.
During the visit, Blair will attend
sessions of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia's second largest
city, including the closing ceremony on March 26.
He will also address a
joint sitting of Parliament and participate in the second Australia-UK
Leadership Forum in Canberra.
"Mr. Blair's visit provides a valuable
opportunity to discuss the expansion of the Australia-UK relationship, our
shared commitment to stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and
Afghanistan and our common interest in fighting global terrorism," Howard said
in a statement.
"The Australia-UK relationship is as strong and vital as any
international alliance," he said.
"It is founded on a common heritage, shared
values and institutions and a proud history of friendship and unity through
periods of adversity and growth. It continues to be strengthened by close,
practical cooperation in a number of areas and a shared approach to a range of
international challenges," he said.
Xinhua
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