Alexander Downer to visit Indonesia

Alexander Downer to visit Indonesia

AUSTRALIA: Australia's foreign minister said he would visit Indonesia on Wednesday to discuss counterterrorism and fighting the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

Alexander Downer said in a statement on Tuesday that he would deliver a speech in Jakarta on "one of the greatest threats to international and regional security -- the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."

Downer said he also will discuss the war on terror and Australia's contribution to reconstruction efforts in tsunami-hit Aceh province.

Downer is to head to Malaysia later in the week to attend a meeting of foreign ministers ahead of an inaugural East Asia summit in Kuala Lumpur.

"Australia's relationship with Malaysia has gone from strength to strength this year, highlighted by the April visit to Australia by Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and the launch of bilateral free trade agreement negotiations," Downer said.

"I intend to undertake a short program of bilateral activities in Malaysia and meet with a number of influential Malaysians to maintain the momentum in this important relationship." --AP