Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday looked to move beyond regional issues that have been key in his trips abroad by promoting the importance of building stronger economic ties with neighboring Indonesia.
The visit was only Albanese’s second overseas trip since his inauguration two weeks ago.
Albanese said the two countries’ trade and investment relationship is a “priority,” highlighting their ambition to better utilize the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. They also discussed Australia’s proposed $200 million climate and infrastructure fund with Indonesia.
After meeting with Widodo, Albanese said in a joint news conference that Indonesia, Australia’s closest major neighbor, is on track to be one of the world’s five largest economies.
He also offered Australian assistance to help with the design and construction of Indonesia’s capital — which is being relocated from Jakarta to the island of Borneo — and pledged to deliver an additional $470 million within four years to support bilateral and regional development assistance programs in Southeast Asia.