Australian Prime Minister John Howard has agreed to meet Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
The prime minister's office said Tuesday that Mr. Howard is likely to meet the Dalai Lama later in the week.
The Tibetan spiritual leader is also expected to meet with Australian opposition leader Kevin Rudd.
The 71-year-old Dalai Lama began his 11-day tour of Australia last week. He says he wants to promote human values and religious harmony.
Any meetings with Australian leaders is likely to draw criticism from China's government. China occupied Tibet in 1951 and has repeatedly accused the Dalai Lama of trying to divide the country by seeking Tibetan independence.
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after Chinese troops suppressed an uprising. He lives in exile in India.
Some information for this report was provided by reuters and AP.