Blair Australia bound
Blair Australia bound
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Monday, 20, Mar 2006 08:43
Prime minister Tony Blair will head down under this week to attend the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Melbourne, address Australia's parliament and hold talks with close ally John Howard.
Officials today confirmed that Mr Blair will arrive in Australia on Saturday to attend Commonwealth Games events including Sunday's closing ceremony.
Victoria's premier Steve Bracks told reporters in state capital Melbourne that Mr Blair's visit would be for "some days, which is excellent".
"We're very thrilled and pleased that he's able to be here," he added.
Australian attorney general Phillip Ruddock said that the British prime minister would attend a session of the federal parliament, with a state function organised in his honour in the nation's capital Canberra.
While further details of the British leader's itinerary have not yet been released, the Daily Telegraph newspaper today reported that Australian leader John Howard and Mr Blair are to meet for talks.
As close allies and vocal supporters of the war against terror the agenda is likely to be led by discussion of Iraq and items of national security.