ASIATODAY.ID, MELBOURNE – President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister (PM) of Australia, Anthony Albanese, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC), Melbourne, Australia, on Tuesday, March 5 2024. Meeting This underlines the commitment of both countries to strengthen strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including enhancing diplomatic relations that have lasted for 75 years.
“Australia is a strategic partner of Indonesia and ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific region, a region where we share a future and a joint responsibility to maintain stability,” said President Jokowi, quoted from a BPMI broadcast.
During the meeting, President Jokowi emphasized 4 main points to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia.
First, President Jokowi welcomed the development of cooperation between the two countries, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding Electric Vehicle (EV) Collaboration.
“I hope that the MoU can be implemented immediately through the formation of a joint steering committee and the preparation of a work plan. “Specifically regarding nickel, I encourage the two countries to prioritize collaboration rather than competition,” he said.
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. Apart from that, President Jokowi also welcomed the signing of the MoU between the Nusantara Capital Authority (IKN) and the National Capital Authority last February.
“I also want to invite the Australian private sector again to participate in building IKN,” he added.
Second, President Jokowi highlighted the importance of expanding market access to create more balanced trade. President Jokowi also welcomed the permit to import beef and cattle from Australia.
“Apart from that, cooperation in the field of biosecurity for Indonesian products, especially fruit and fisheries, needs to continue to be encouraged, especially regarding inspection and quarantine aspects,” he said.
Third, in terms of inter-community relations, President Jokowi expressed his delight at Indonesia’s popularity as a destination for Australian students in the New Colombo Plan scheme. President Jokowi invited more young Australians to visit and study in Indonesia, including Indonesian culture and language.
Fourth, President Jokowi expressed his gratitude for Australia’s support during Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN last year. President Jokowi hopes that cooperation and implementation of infrastructure and energy projects will continue, and welcomes the launch of the 2040 Southeast Asia Economic Strategy.
“Hopefully this can continue to strengthen Australia’s economic integration with ASEAN through mutually beneficial trade and investment,” he said.
In closing, President Jokowi invited PM Albanese to attend the 10th World Water Forum in Bali. The forum will discuss global water and sanitation issues amidst increasing climate change.
“Your Majesty’s presence is important to encourage real action amidst the impacts of global climate change that we are increasingly feeling,” said President Jokowi. (ATN)
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