Obama to visit Australia only for 24 hours

Canberra, Mar 16(ANI): United Sates President Barack Obama will visit Australian capital Canberra, as part of his Asia-Pacific tour next week.

Obama's proposed visit to Indonesia and Australia was rescheduled on Sunday, after difficulties in passing health reform in the US Congress forced a three-day delay.

The President's itinerary for a one-night stopover will include dinner and bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and an address to a special joint sitting of Parliament, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

During his visit he will also hold a meeting with Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce.

He will attend a ceremony celebrating the 70th anniversary of official US ties with Australia and then depart from Canberra Airport aboard Air Force One.

Obama was originally meant to bring his wife Michelle and their daughters Malia and Sasha, but now will travel without his family.

A proposed visit to Sydney has been cancelled. (ANI)