Washington  - Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will meet US President Barack Obama in Washington next month for talks on the global financial crisis and the conflict in Afghanistan, the White House said Thursday.

Climate change and nuclear nonproliferation will also be on the agenda at the March 24 meeting, the White House said.

"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 statement said.

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso on Tuesday became the first foreign leader to meet Obama at the White House. (dpa)