SYDNEY, March 18, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - EU chief Ursula von der Leyen will visit Australia next week, raising expectations a free-trade deal can be struck after years of negotiations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday confirmed he will meet von der Leyen in Canberra on March 24. "I look forward to welcoming President von der Leyen to Australia and continuing discussions to further expand our cooperation," Albanese said in a statement. Australia's largest export market is China, and the United States its largest source of investment. Trade Minister Don Farrell, who spoke on Tuesday with Sefcovic, told Sky News Australia that an EU deal would add Aus$10 billion (US$7.1 billion) in trade for Australia in the first year.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 18, 2026 12:25 UTC