Obama to vist Australia in March

United States President Barack Obama has announced that he will visit Australia in March.

The visit will be included to Mr Obama's trip to Indonesia and Guam, two countries where the US has a major military presence.

He will be accompanied by US First Lady Michelle Obama.

"This trip is an important part of the President's continued effort to broaden and strengthen the partnerships that are necessary to advance our security and prosperity," Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said.

The visit will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the US-Australia alliance.

Issues likely to be discussed between Mr Obama and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd include global economic recovery, climate change, renewable energy, nuclear non-proliferation, and the war in Afghanistan reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

Exact dates are being finalised but the trip will occur in the second half of March said Mr Gibbs.

Mr Rudd extended an invitation to visit Australia to Mr Obama when they met in Washington last year.

- NZ HERALD STAFF