Ong begins visit to Australia

Tue, 13 Apr 2004 | Source: AFP

AUSTRALIA: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) secretary-general Ong Keng Yong was due here on Monday to begin a five-day visit to Australia at the government's invitation, officials announced.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Trade Minister Mark Vaile are expected to push the case for a free trade agreement between Australia and the 10-nation group during talks with Ong in Canberra on Thursday.

Downer described Ong's visit as a key element in a series of events this year to mark the 30th anniversary of Australia's relationship with ASEAN.

"It will be an opportunity for us to reinforce our commitment to stronger security relationships with ASEAN and build the trade relationship," Downer said. --AFP

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