Australian PM to Attend Prabowo's Inauguration

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Indonesian Defence Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto in Canberra on Tuesday (20/8/2024).

IDXChannel - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Indonesian Defence Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto in Canberra on Tuesday (20/8/2024).

"I look forward to working closely with you, President-elect Prabowo, to attending your inauguration in October," Albanese said in a joint media statement.

"The strides that President Widodo and I have made together toward a deeper economic relationship will be the foundation of the work that I know will continue under your administration," he added.

This year, Australia and Indonesia are celebrating 75 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. During today's meeting, both sides concluded bilateral treaty-level Defence Cooperation Agreement. 

"This historic treaty will bolster our strong defence cooperation by deepening dialogue, strengthening interoperability and enhancing practical arrangements," Albanese said.

"It will be a vital plank for our two countries to support each other's security, which is vital to both countries, but also to the stability of the region that we share," he stated.

According to Albanese, Indonesia is on track to be among the world's largest economies by 2040, and Australia is well positioned to be a partner in Indonesia's growth. 

"Deepening our trade and investment with Indonesia will help grow our economy, support jobs and industry and strengthen our supply chains. My Government is committed to implementing the initiatives under the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. Including, of course, our AUD2 billion Southeast Asia investment financing facility and investment deal teams to catalyse Australian private sector investment in the region," Albanese explained.

"You are such a welcome visitor to our country once again. I congratulate you once again on your election. A significant victory in the first round, not requiring a second round, was an outstanding achievement. And I look forward to building on our friendship and continuing the strong relationship that I have had with President Widodo upon your election," he concluded. (Wahyu Dwi Anggoro)