Jakarta, Indonesia (AP) – Australia's recently re-elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday to strengthen the economic and defense ties between their nations.
Albanese arrived in Jakarta on Wednesday night. His government was sworn in for its second three-year term following a significant victory in the elections on May 3rd.
"I'm here in Indonesia because there's no more important connection to Australia," Albanese stated during a joint press conference with President Prabowo Subianto after their meeting.
He refrained from addressing reports regarding Russian intentions to establish long-range fighter jet bases in Papua, eastern Indonesia, a matter that arose as a security concern during the Australian election campaign. Indonesia assured Australia that the establishment of such Russian bases would not be permitted.
"This region is the fastest growing in human history, and Indonesia is at its core," Albanese remarked, noting that Indonesia is expected to become the fifth largest economy by the end of the next decade.
Subianto praised Australia for joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and being part of the comprehensive and progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement.
Typically, the newly elected Australian Prime Minister makes Indonesia his first bilateral visit in Asia.
During his initial visit to Indonesia after assuming office in 2022, Albanese also traveled to Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, which has strong connections with Australia’s Indigenous communities.
Due to their geographical proximity, Indonesia and Australia have historically maintained strong relationships on security and defense matters, even as both countries have opted for different approaches in responding to U.S.-China competition in the region.
The two neighboring nations signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) last year, which permits more complex collaborative activities and exchanges. Canberra regards this agreement as the "deepest and most significant" defense deal in their bilateral relations.
"This is how we can foster shared prosperity and enhance domestic and regional security," Albanese expressed.
Albanese will travel to Rome on Friday morning to attend the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday.
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Rod McGilk, a writer for the Associated Press based in Melbourne, contributed to this report.
Source: apnews.com