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Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott says his 12-day, four-nation tour will bolster the nation's economic and national security.
Abbott left Australia today bound for Indonesia, France, Canada and the United States.
He will attempt to improve bilateral relations with Indonesia through talks with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the island of Batam today before flying to France for the 70th anniversary commemorations for the World War II D-Day landings.
Abbott will then lead a business delegation to Ottawa, Washington, DC, New York, Houston and Hawaii.
Abbott told reporters in the national capital Canberra today before his departure: "It will be another opportunity. To demonstrate that Australia is open for business."
He also says: "It will be a further opportunity ... To bolster Australia's economic and national security.
