Australian PM stresses stability

By Dominic Hughes
BBC correspondent in Sydney

The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, is in the Philippines on the first leg of a three-nation tour.

Howard promised Arroyo money to fight terrorism

He will be discussing issues including the North Korean crisis, international terrorism and trade.

Mr Howard has been accused of alienating Australia's Asian neighbours by his strong support for the United States war on terrorism, a claim he rejects.

Mr Howard has made it clear that his priority is regional stability.

As well as the Philippines, he will visit South Korea and Japan.

Flexible

Mr Howard announced an aid package to help the Philippines Government fight terrorism soon after he arrived on Monday.

And it is the threats in the region, particularly the crisis over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, that will be uppermost in the prime minister's mind during his talks with regional leaders.

Mr Howard has urged a flexible approach to North Korea, backing off from suggestions that North Korean ships and planes suspected of carrying banned weapons could be intercepted.

But this trip is also perhaps a sign that Australia is re-engaging with the region after a period during which some critics say the country lost influence.

Mr Howard rejects the idea that Australia's robust support for the United States war on terrorism has damaged its relationships with its nearest neighbours.

Australia does appear willing to play a central role in finding a way out of the North Korean crisis.