Australian PM Anthony Albanese signals stronger ties with Indonesia on security, climate
The Hindu
PM Albanese reiterated a A$470 million ($338.49 million) pledge over four years for overseas development in Indonesia and the region
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heralded a deepened relationship with close neighbour Indonesia, pledging stronger cooperation on trade, security and climate change during his first bilateral visit on June 6.
Before the formal talks began, Mr. Albanese accompanied his host, President Joko Widodo, for a ride through the presidential palace in Bogor on bamboo bicycles.
Stressing the importance of engaging with Southeast Asia's largest economy, Australia's new prime minister brought a high-profile business delegation to Indonesia, along with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Trade Minister Don Farrell.
"Indonesia is on track to be one of the world's five largest economies," said Mr. Albanese, "Revitalising our trade and investment relationship is a priority for my government."
The government would work together to realise the potential of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), he said, and also offer technical expertise for the development of Indonesia's planned new green and high-tech capital, 'Nusantara'.
Mr. Albanese reiterated a A$470 million ($338.49 million) pledge over four years for overseas development in Indonesia and the region, a A$200 million climate and infrastructure partnership with Indonesia, and the creation of a new Southeast Asia office in Australia's department of foreign affairs.
"True to my government's ambitious climate targets, I want better access to affordable, reliable and secure clean energy right across our region, as we transition to a net zero world together," he said.