ISLAMABAD, May 10: Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri left for Australia and New Zealand on Tuesday. Mr Kasuri would sign at least three agreements with the Australian government during his visit, sources in the Foreign Office said. His visit is being seen as a prelude to President Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Australia next month.

Mr Kasuri will meet several Australian cabinet ministers, including his counterpart, Alexander Downer.

The foreign minister will also meet the CEOs of those multinationals that are interested in investing in Pakistan.

Memorandums of Understanding on combating terrorism, institutional bilateral consultation and enhancing cultural cooperation are expected to be signed during the foreign minister’s visit.

The Australian leaders will exchange views with Mr Kasuri on regional and global peace, Afghanistan, progress in composite dialogue between Pakistan and India, counter-proliferation, reform of the UN and expansion of the Security Council.