Krishna to visit Australia; will discuss attacks on Indians

NEW DELHI: The attacks on Indians in Australia and their security will figure in the discussions between External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and the Australian government during his visit Down Under next week.

"The minister would be visiting Australia from August 6-10, 2009......He will visit Sydney and Melbourne, to hear first-hand, about the problems being faced by Indian students and will discuss the matter of their safety and security with the State leadership," an official statement said here on Friday.

It said Mr. Krishna, who will hold talks with Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, "will also apprise himself of the measures put in place, in this regard, by Australian law enforcement agencies."

In both the cities, Mr. Krishna will meet prominent members of the Indian community and students.

Mr. Krishna will also meet Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, the statement added.

During the visit, the Minister will participate in the Annual Post Forum Dialogue Meeting of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), which comprises of 16 countries, in Cairns.

The PIF is an inter-governmental organisation which aims to enhance the cooperation between countries in the region.

Besides discussion on regional issues, the meeting is also expected to deliberate on important issues like financial crisis and climate change.