Sydney  - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is expected to visit Australia this week, officials in Canberra said Sunday.

Al-Maliki is due on Wednesday and expected to leave on Sunday.

"The success of Iraq's recent provincial elections in January 2009 is evidence of growing security and stability in the country," Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in a statement. "Australia is strongly supportive of measures Iraq is taking to strengthen democracy and welcomes the recent free and fair elections, giving Iraqi citizens a voice in the future of their country."

Rudd announced the withdrawal of Australia's 550 combat troops in Iraq last year, fulfilling a pledge he made before winning the 2007 general election.

After the withdrawal is completed, Australia will continue to have a military presence in Iraq, with aircraft and a warship staying to help patrol oil platforms in the Gulf. (dpa)