Prior to his three-day trip to Indonesia, Anthony Albanese is optimistic about preserving excellent relations with the country.
On Sunday, the prime minister will fly to Jakarta, where he will meet with President Joko Widodo.
Mr Albanese said that while he had spoken with President Widodo since taking office, he was looking forward to continue bilateral conversations with Indonesia.
On Sunday morning in Perth, he told reporters, “My government is keen to develop better relations across the Indo-Pacific region.”
My conversations with President Widodo have been extremely friendly and cordial… we’ve met before, and I’m looking forward to the next few days.’
Following the talks in Jakarta, Mr Albanese will travel to Makassar, Indonesia’s easternmost city.
He stated that it was vital that Indonesia’s contacts be expanded to the entire country.
‘It’s critical that we recognize that Indonesia is a big archipelago, not simply Jakarta and Bali,’ Mr Albanese added.
‘It is a significant nation to our north, the world’s largest Muslim country.’
Trade, climate change, and energy, as well as regional and global issues, will be on the agenda.
The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, as well as Australia’s planned $200 million climate and infrastructure fund, will be discussed.
The travel to Indonesia will maintain an Australian diplomatic tradition of newly elected prime leaders visiting the country first.
Mr. Albanese also stated that he has yet to meet with East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta following the country’s signing of accords with China.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has been on a Pacific blitz, aiming to secure agreements with governments around the area, including security contracts that could result in Communist military facilities being built on Australia’s doorstep.
While East Timor declined their security offer, it did agree to media collaborations and business accords, with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull eager to talk with his counterpart.
‘We’ve been reaching out, and they’ve been reaching out,’ the prime minister said.
‘We haven’t been able to have a one-on-one conversation yet.’ However, Australia and Timor-Leste have a good relationship. That is something I hope to continue in the future.
‘[East Timor president José Ramos-Horta] is a friend of mine over a long period of time. I’ve known Mr Ramos-Horta in his capacity when he was living in Petersham in my electorate during a different time.
‘So, I’m confident that we can have good relations going forward.’
While Mr Albanese’s first overseas journey as Prime Minister was to Tokyo for the Quad Leaders’ Summit, he constantly stated during the election campaign that Indonesia would be a top priority for his administration.
Mr Albanese will meet with President Widodo as well as ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi.
Mr Albanese stated, “Those discussions reflect as an emphasis that we have on Southeast Asia.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Trade Minister Don Farrell, Industry Minister Ed Husic, and Darwin MP Luke Gosling will accompany the prime minister on the trip.
A high-level delegation of Australian business leaders will also travel to Indonesia.
The visit comes amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, with China’s foreign minister recently saying Australia viewed China as a rival not a partner.
vAccording to Mr. Albanese, the region is seeing strategic rivalry.
‘What we need to do is ensure that we have competition and recognize that it exists without causing disaster,’ he explained.
‘I absolutely hope for harmonious relations with all of our neighbors, while acknowledging the problems that exist.’
Later this year, the prime minister will return to Indonesia for the G20 conference in Bali.
The meeting, however, may be overshadowed by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s appearance in the wake of his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Mr Albanese stated that Indonesia’s G20 presidency was crucial.
‘People who care about human rights would be uncomfortable sitting at the same table as Vladimir Putin,’ he remarked.