The French minister in charge of overseas territories, Francois Baroin, is to meet the Australian foreign minister, Alexander Downer, today during his two-day official visit.
Mr Baroin is expected to discuss bilateral issues and sign a tripartite declaration on maritime surveillance which also involves New Zealand.
The French minister will fly to New Caledonia tomorrow for a six-day visit.
Mr Baroin will return to the Pacific at the end of the month to visit French Polynesia.
