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Jokowi's visit to Australia 'special': Foreign Ministry
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Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir told a press briefing on Thursday that Jokowi's visit to Australia was "special". (Shutterstock/File)
P
resident Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is set for his first state visit to Australia on Feb. 25 to 26, with an emphasis on strengthening trade and maritime cooperation.
The neighboring countries aim to strengthen bilateral relations that are "mutually beneficial and respectful", the Indonesian Foreign Ministry says.
Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir told a press briefing on Thursday that Jokowi's visit was "special", saying that unlike usual state visits, the two heads of states were set to have a private dinner. Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull and wife Lucy Turnbull would host a dinner for Jokowi and First Lady Iriana Widodo.
"This shows a closeness between the two leaders," Arrmanatha said.
The visit is set to focus on boosting economic relations between the two countries, especially to push the ongoing negotiations on the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) that Jakarta expects to conclude this year.
Indonesia also aimed to expand market access on sustainable products, Arrmanatha said, noting the example of export of Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT)-licensed timber, which guaranteed that the timber had been harvested, processed and exported in accordance with national laws.
Three memorandum of understandings (MoUs) were also currently in the final stages of discussion, namely in maritime cooperation, maritime security and the creative industry, he added.
Other areas of focus between the two countries would include cyber security training, investment, tourism, as well as Indonesian language education. The President is set to inaugurate a language center during his visit. (evi)
