PM Modi's visit to Australia will give boost to economic ties: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia from November 16-18 will improve and strengthen relations between the two countries.

"The Prime Minister will be on a visit to Australia from November 16-18. This is a Prime Minister's first bilateral visit to the country since 1986. The Prime Minister will have delegation-level talks with his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott, and will then address the Parliament in Canberra. He will have political business and community meetings in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Also a dinner will be hosted by Tony Abbott in Melbourne," said Anil Wadhwa, Secretary (East) in the ministry.

"A number of agreements will be signed and announcements will be made on new initiatives. A strong delegation of CEOs will accompany the prime minster to highlight the economic interests between the two countries," he said.

"This meeting will be an important landmark in reengaging Australia. The Prime Minister will have a major interaction with the India community there. This will also strengthen contacts in the pacific region which will be fortified with the visit to Fiji on November 19," he added.

He further said the Prime Minister's visit to Fiji will be taking place after a gap of 33 years.

"Prime Minister's visit to Fiji is taking place after a gap of 33 years. Indira Gandhi had visited Fiji in 1981. His visit is an opportunity to re-establish contacts with the new government in Fiji and reach out to the Pacific countries. The visit will have three components; his meeting with the Prime Minister and address to the Parliament, meeting with Pacific leaders and the local Fiji community," he added.

The Prime Minister will also participate in the G-20 Summit in Australia, following which he shall travel to Fiji.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also visit Myanmar before his visit to Australia and Fiji. He will interact with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and the East Asia Summit (EAS) and will engage with several global leaders on various issues of mutual concern.

Prime Minister Modi, during his interaction with leaders of the ASEAN and EAS nations, is expected to pitch for improving connectivity between India and other countries of the region.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to share his dream of an 'Asian century', adding that he was confident that his meetings with the ASEAN leaders will be fruitful.