French President Francois Hollande wound down a state visit to Australia Wednesday with talks on a proposed free trade deal between the European Union and Canberra, dpa reported. The deal would open a door to Asian markets for the 28-member bloc, the French leader said after meeting Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, broadcaster ABC reported. "We believe it is very important to have this exchange because while coming to Australia we can access the Asian markets as well," Hollande was quoted as saying. Abbott said his government was keen on such a deal and negotiations could begin "more quickly than people think," ABC said. "I've had a great deal of support from European leaders, including Francois, for this objective," Abbott said.
