Sydney, (Antara) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit 2018.
The meeting started at around 11:00 local time and discussed a number of issues, which are results of a 2 + 2 meeting held on Friday (March 16) between ministers of foreign affairs and defense ministers of both countries.
"I hope the signing of a maritime cooperation action plan can be implemented soon, and the two foreign ministers have also exchanged ideas on the concept of Indo-Pacific region architecture," the president stated.
He expressed hope that consultations on the Indo-Pacific region would continue for the creation of stability, peace, and prosperity.
Widodo further discussed the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economy Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). The last negotiation on IA-CEPA was conducted on March 6 and 7.
"There is progress, but it has not yet been fully achieved; the final result of the negotiations should ensure benefits for the two countries not only from the commercial aspect but also with emphasis on partnership and cooperation," he continued.
The president also expected Australia to respond positively to various proposals for cooperation.
"The cooperation includes work and holiday visas; higher education and vocational training; professional standards; industrial and agricultural development, including livestock; as well as apprenticeship programs for both students and professionals," Widodo added.
The third bilateral issue discussed was the follow-up of the "Indonesia-Australia Digital Conference."
The follow-ups include improving the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups in developing digital innovations; developing Next Indonesia Unicorn; increasing digital literacy; and smart government initiatives to improve public services.
In the bilateral meeting, the president was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto; Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi; Minister/State Secretary Pratikno; Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu; Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita; Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Head Thomas Lembong; Indonesian Ambassador to Australia John Legowo; and Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa Ministry of Foreign Affairs Desra Percaya. Turnbull was accompanied by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.(*)
