I am pleased to announce that the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, The Right Honourable Tony Blair MP, will make an official visit to Australia from 25-28 March as a guest of the Australian Government.
Mr Blair's visit provides a valuable opportunity to discuss the expansion of the Australia-UK relationship, our shared commitment to stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan and our common interest in fighting global terrorism.
During the visit, Mr Blair will attend sessions of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, including the closing ceremony on 26 March. Mr Blair will also address a joint sitting of Parliament and participate in the second Australia-UK Leadership Forum in Canberra.
The Australia-UK relationship is as strong and vital as any international alliance.
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.