France, Jan. 29 -- Australia's defence andforeign ministers have announced they aim to deepen securityties with France and Britain during visits to Europe this week,flagging the Indo-Pacific as a key area of focus.

In a statement released this Sunday, the ministers' trip from 30 January to 2 February will compriseAustralia-France Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultationsin Paris, and Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultationsin London and Portsmouth.

Australia has moved to bolster relations in the Pacific asChina's influence grows, including a security pact between Chinaand the Solomon Islands struck last year.

In France, discussions will focus on "the increasinglychallenging strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific and in...