Howard to visit New York, Indonesia
Canberra Times
Prime Minister John Howard will begin his third term in Government with a visit to New York and Indonesia.
On his first trip to the United States since the terrorist attacks of September 11, Mr Howard will travel to New York on January 28 to address the World Economic Forum.
"During my visit to New York I will hold discussions on the Australian and international economies with major New York financial houses and firms with investment interests in Australia," he said in a statement.
Mr Howard was in Washington on September 11 last year when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Centre towers and the Pentagon and he was forced to abandon official talks with US political leaders.
Mr Howard said he would meet New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and visit the World Trade Centre site.
"My visit will be an opportunity to demonstrate the support of Australians for the people of New York who suffered so terribly during the events of 11 September 2001," he said.
"I will also meet United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and address the United Nations Security Council session on East Timor."
On his way home from New York he will make an official visit to Indonesia from February 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Megawati Sukarnoputri.
In Jakarta, Mr Howard will hold discussions with President Megawati and key members of her Cabinet.
A key topic between the two leaders is likely to be the problem of people smugglers and their cargo who travel through Indonesia before boarding boats bound for Australia.
He will meet the presiding officers of the Indonesian Parliament and address a luncheon hosted by the Indonesia-Australia Business Council. AAP