Saturday, April 1 2006 12:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will sign a major uranium deal with Australia during his visit to the country beginning today (Apr 1, 2006).

Chinese Foreign Ministry sources said the two nations have concluded talks on the uranium deal and have prepared two documents to be signed during Wen's visit.

Australia is apparently pleased with China's commitments under the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) and is willing to sell nuclear material to meet Beijing's growing need for energy, they said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Minister in charge of the State Development and Reform Commission Ma Kai and Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai will be part of the Premier's entourage.

Wen will also visit Fiji, New Zealand and Cambodia.

During his visit to Fiji, the Chinese Premier will attend the opening ceremony of the first China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum.