PTI

New Delhi, Mar 6: Australian Prime Minister John Howard arrived here on Sunday night on a four-day visit during which the two countries are expected to sign a number of agreements, including in the fields of defence, trade, science and air services.

Accompanied by his wife Janette Howard and a 20-member strong trade delegation, Howard was warmly received by Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma.

Undertaking his second visit here in six years to further strengthen bilateral trade and strategic relations, Howard will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Howard will also call on President A P J Abdul Kalam besides meeting Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath and Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamad.

He will also meet UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition L K Advani.

The two countries will sign a number of agreements including MOUs on Defence Cooperation, customs cooperation and bio-technology besides a pact on trade and economic framework and a letter of intent on India-Australia Strategic Research Fund.