Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull meets Indonesian President Joko Widodo during his last day at ASEAN (Photo: AAP)The visit highlights the deepening strategic and economiccooperation between the two countries, said the press release, adding that theAustralia – Indonesia bilateral relationship is vitally important to bothcountries.
As multicultural democracies, the two countries havedeveloped a strong strategic partnership in the 21st century,spanning a wide range of areas, including trade, tourism, counter-terrorism,education and disaster relief.
During the visit, President Widodo and Prime MinisterTurnbull will co-chair the Annual Leaders’ Meeting to further strengthen bilateralrelations.
Discussions will focus on identifying opportunities forexpanding investment, trade and economic ties, including Australia’s commitmentto concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) laterthis year. The deal is expected to benefit both countries by generating jobsand promoting trade and investment.
Indonesia is also one of Australia’s most important partnersin the fight against terrorism. PM Turnbull affirmed that the practicalcooperation between the two countries in this field makes their communitiessafer and the region more secure.
In December 2016, Australian Minister of Trade, Tourism andInvestment Steven Ciobo paid a visit to Indonesia to speed up negotiations onthe IA-CEPA.
The agreement will create more favourable conditions forAustralian exporters to provide commodities and services to meet the increasingdemand of Indonesian people.-VNA
