CANBERRA: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirms his country's visit to Indonesia. The PM said that he will visit Indonesia on Sunday in an effort to improve relations between the two countries.
Albanese, whose Labor Party won the general election on May 21, will go to Indonesia on Sunday alongside Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Trade Minister Don Farrell, and Industry Minister Ed Husic for the Annual Leaders' Meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, as per reports.
The three-day tour will mostly focus on the two nations' economic connection, which froze during the coronavirus pandemic after the landmark Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) was ratified in early 2020.
Albanese claimed in the run-up to the election that a Labor government would prioritise the relationship with Indonesia as a foreign policy priority. "I pledged to visiting Indonesia as soon as possible because it is one of our closest neighbours," he said in a statement.
"I hope to strengthen our relationships during my visit, notably by revitalising our economic partnership and promoting climate, infrastructure, and energy cooperation." The IA-CEPA reduces or eliminates duties on 99 percent of Australian exports to Indonesia, making it easier for young Indonesians to work and study in the country.
However, the trade deal's influence was considerably diminished by the strict Covid-19 border restrictions that were implemented immediately after it was ratified.
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