March 22, 2012 — Australia's ambassador to the United States, Kim Beazley, will discuss trade and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region at the University of Virginia on March 27.

Beazley will speak at 5:30 p.m. in the Dome Room of the Rotunda. His presentation is free and open to the public.

Australia's economy is robust, buoyed by its vast natural resources, trade liberalization efforts and its proximity to the massive Chinese market.

Australia is a member of several trade groups and is currently negotiating a new Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement with the United States and seven other countries. The agreement aims to enhance trade and investment among the member countries.

Beazley is taking part in the University's Ambassadors' Speaker Forum, which is sponsored by U.Va.'s Center for International Studies. Appointed ambassador to the U.S. in 2010, he previously served as chancellor of the Australian National University. He became a member of Parliament in 1980. He has served as deputy prime minister and has held several cabinet positions, including the portfolios of defense, finance and employment.

The Ambassador's Speaker Forum continues April 3 with Ireland's ambassador to the U.S., Michael Collins. He will discuss his country's economy and the European Union financial crisis at 2 p.m., also in the Dome Room.

— By Jane Kelly