Obama to meet with Australian leader in June

President Obama continutes his outreach to the Asia-Pacific region in the months ahead, including a June 12 meeting at the White House with Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Obama, who is returning Tuesday from a trip to Asia, will speak with Abbott about the new U.S.-Australia defense agreement and the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, the White House said in announcing the meeting.

"They will also address some of the most serious security issues that confront both Australia and the United States, including Syria, Russia's actions in Ukraine, North Korea, and the security and stability of the Asia Pacific region," said White House press secretary Jay Carney.

Other topics will include Australia's leadership of the G-20 and Afghanistan, he said.