The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Sydney

Australia's new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced Tuesday that he would soon visit the United States, Europe and China on his first official trip abroad. The initial stop for the centre-left leader who ousted the former conservative government in November elections will be at the White House for talks with US President George W. Bush on March 28. Rudd has pledged to pull Australia's 550 combat troops out of Iraq but has stressed that he aims to maintain good relations with Washington and noted that he had spoken to Bush by telephone earlier in the day. "We are both looking forward to a friendly and constructive meeting covering the range of our common security and economic interests," the former diplomat said in a statement. Rudd will also hold talks at the United Nations in New York before visiting Brussels from April 2-3 for meetings with the president and senior members of the European Commission.