“We’re linked not just by geography, but we are linked by choice.”
He said his government would work with Australian superannuation funds to explore investment opportunities in the country.
Albanese promised an additional $470 million over four years for bilateral and regional Overseas Development Assistance programs in South-East Asia.
“We will appoint a dedicated high-level roving regional envoy,” he said.
Also read: Australia to Reopen Borders to Fully Vaccinated Tourists Starting From Feb. 21
“We will also establish an office of South-East Asia in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure whole-of-government coordination of Australian efforts in the region.”
Widodo said he was “delighted” Indonesia was the site of Albanese’s first bilateral visit after being sworn in as Prime Minister.
“It shows the closeness between the government and the people of the two countries,” he said in a statement.
He said he expressed the importance of expanding imports to Australia, increasing working holiday visas for Indonesians, and increasing cooperation in health and education.
Earlier, Albanese was welcomed at Bogor Palace, just outside of Jakarta, by Widodo and a ceremonial guard.
He planted a tree with the Indonesian leader before the pair went for a brief bicycle ride through the palace grounds.
Simak breaking news dan berita pilihan kami langsung di ponselmu. Pilih saluran andalanmu akses berita Kompas.com WhatsApp Channel : https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFPbedBPzjZrk13HO3D. Pastikan kamu sudah install aplikasi WhatsApp ya.