NATO chief to visit Australia

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is heading to Australia to build on a longstanding political and strategic relationship.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne will play host to Mr Stoltenberg during his August 6-8 visit, which will include meetings with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds.

He will also use his time to visit defence facilities and participate in events hosted by the Lowy Institute in Sydney and the Institute for Regional Security at the Australian National University in Canberra.

"Australia has long-standing ties with NATO. Our defence relationship and shared security interests make us natural partners," Senator Payne said in a statement on Saturday.

She said Australia has made a significant contribution to the NATO-led missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, including participation to strengthen Iraqi security forces and military education by "training the trainers" to prevent the return of Daesh.

Mr Stoltenberg's visit will come just days after Sunday's annual Australia-United States ministerial meeting in Sydney.

Those talks involve US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and newly appointed US Defense Secretary Mark Esper with Mr Morrison, Senator Payne and Senator Reynolds.