Wednesday, June 8 2005 11:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer will arrive in New Delhi to discuss bilateral issues with External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh and other top leaders.

Downer, who arrived in Chennai on Monday (Jun 6, 2005) evening, will meet Natwar Singh today (Jun 8, 2005) during which the two sides will discuss host of bilateral and international issues, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said in New Delhi yesterday (Jun 7, 2005).

During his visit, Downer will engage in the fourth round of the Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Singh. These talks are a follow up of this year's successful Joint Ministerial Commission meeting on trade, senior officials' talks and the bilateral strategic dialogue with India.

Downer will also meet Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee during his stay at the national capital.

Downer will also meet Environment Minister A Raja besides attending a function hosted by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the spokesman said.

Upon his arrival in Chennai, Downer met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa during which the latter thanked him for the support extended by his country for India's candidature for permanent membership in the UN Security Council (UNSC).