President Jokowi Heads to Melbourne for ASEAN-Australia Summit Commemorating 50 Years of Partnership
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) embarked on a journey to Melbourne, Australia, on Monday morning to participate in the ASEAN-Australia Summit from March 4 to March 6. The summit marks the 50th anniversary of the partnership between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia.
Addressing the media at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta before his departure, President Jokowi highlighted the significance of the special summit, which aims to bring together ASEAN and Australia representatives. The gathering seeks to identify effective strategies to optimize their comprehensive strategic partnership, fostering a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
“I will make the most of this opportunity to encourage economic integration, energy transition, and digital transformation while emphasizing the importance of collaboration and consistently respecting international law, including in relation to Palestinian issues,” President Jokowi stated.
During his visit to Australia, President Jokowi revealed plans for bilateral meetings with the prime ministers of Australia, New Zealand, and Cambodia. The discussions are expected to cover a range of topics, reinforcing diplomatic ties and exploring avenues for cooperation.
Accompanying President Jokowi on this important diplomatic mission are Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, and Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Agus Subiyanto.
The President is scheduled to return to Jakarta on Wednesday, March 6. The ASEAN-Australia Summit signifies the ongoing strengthening of relations between ASEAN and Australia, which first began in 1974 with the establishment of a dialogue, eventually evolving into a strategic partnership in 2014. The collaboration reached new heights with the elevation to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021.
