- VIVA.co.id/Natania Longdong
Melbourne – The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Melbourne, Australia, on Tuesday.
This meeting emphasized both countries' commitment to strengthen strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Australia is a strategic partner of Indonesia and ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific region, a region where we share a future and a collective responsibility to maintain stability," the Head of State said.
During the meeting, President Jokowi emphasized four main points to strengthen the Indonesia-Australia bilateral relationship.
Presiden Jokowi dan PM Australia (Doc: Setkab)
- VIVA.co.id/Natania Longdong
First, the President welcomed the progress of cooperation between the two countries, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Electric Vehicle Collaboration.
"I hope the MoU can be implemented promptly through the establishment of a joint steering committee and the drafting of a work plan. Specifically regarding nickel, I encourage both countries to prioritize collaboration over competition," the President revealed.
President Jokowi also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the financial services sector and announced plans to open a Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) representative office in Sydney.
Furthermore, the President welcomed the signing of the MoU between the Capital City Authority (IKN) and the National Capital Authority last February.
"I also want to invite the Australian private sector to participate in building IKN,"
Second, President Jokowi highlighted the importance of expanding market access to create more balanced trade. President Jokowi also welcomed the permission to import meat and cattle from Australia.
"In addition, cooperation in the field of biosecurity for Indonesian products, especially fruits and fisheries, needs to be continuously encouraged, especially regarding inspection and quarantine aspects," the President remarked.
Third, in terms of people-to-people relations, President Jokowi expressed his delight at Indonesia's popularity as a destination for Australian students under the New Colombo Plan scheme.
Then, he invited more Australian youths to visit and learn in Indonesia, including Indonesian culture and language.
Fourth, the President expressed gratitude for Australia's support during Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN last year.
The President hopes that cooperation and implementation of infrastructure and energy projects will continue, and welcomes the launch of the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy 2040.
"Hopefully, this will further strengthen Australia's economic integration with ASEAN through mutually beneficial trade and investment," the President expressed.
In conclusion, President Joko Widodo invited PM Albanese to attend the 10th World Water Forum in Bali. The forum will discuss global water and sanitation issues amid increasing climate change impacts.
"The presence of Your Excellency is important to promote concrete action amid the increasing impacts of global climate change," the President concluded.
