Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer left Sunday for Europe, where he will urge a greater UN role in violence-torn Timor-Leste.

His nine-day visit will take him to France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

He is expected to discuss with his French and British counterparts an expanded UN role in Timor-Leste, the Australian Associated Press reported on Sunday.

In France, he will also sign a bilateral tax agreement. And in Germany, he will be in Frankfurt to promote Australian trade and investment before opening a new consulate-general in the financial capital.

He will then head to Stuttgart to represent the government at the World Cup match between Australia and Croatia.

Source: Xinhua