WASHINGTON - US PRESIDENT Barack Obama has invited Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to Washington for talks on March 24, the White House said on Thursday.

'Australia is a close ally of the United States. The President looks forward to discussing with the Prime Minister ways to address critical global issues,' the White House said in a statement.

'The two leaders will consult on effective measures to respond to the global financial crisis, as well as Afghanistan, climate change, nuclear nonproliferation and other issues.' -- AFP