SYDNEY - Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer announced today that he will visit Malaysia later this week for talks on trade and the battle against terrorism.

Downer said he would also stop in Singapore to launch the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Asia-Pacific TV service in the island state.

In Kuala Lumpur, Downer said he would hold talks with senior ministers in the new Malaysian government on trade and counter-terrorism.

"Australia continues to promote regional cooperation on counter-terrorism and we are working actively to strengthen regional capacity," he said in a statement.

Downer will also visit the Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism in Kuala Lumpur.

On Friday, Downer is due in Singapore to help promote the national broadcaster's latest overseas venture. - AFP