Jokowi, Turnbull agree to strengthen bilateral ties

 President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation in the economic and maritime sectors.

The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between the two leaders held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday.

During the meeting with Turnbull, Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto; Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi; Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita; Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung; and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board Thomas Lembong.

"Congratulations for winning the elections," Jokowi stated while greeting Turnbull.

The two leaders discussed terrorism and agreed to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation.

"Both leaders agreed to increase cooperation in the field of counterterrorism. We have established the JCLEC (Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation) since a long time, and this will be intensified. Cooperation in intelligence sharing and cyber security will also be strengthened," Marsudi remarked. 

Indonesia and Australia, who have played active roles in the East Asia Summit and the Indian Ocean Rim Association, also agreed to implement cooperation in the maritime sector.

Jokowi expressed hope that Australia will support Indonesia to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities, while Australia raised the issue of blue economy.

"Hence, the main point is maritime security and is followed by maritime prosperity," she noted.

In November this year, Jokowi plans to visit Australia on Turnbulls invitation.

The two leaders also discussed about Indonesias beef imports from Australia and cooperation in cattle breeding to support the country's sustainable food resilience program. 

The two leaders were in Laos along with several other leaders on Sept 6-8, for the 28th ASEAN Summit that discussed ASEAN Community building efforts, and the 29th ASEAN Summit focusing on on regional and international issues of common interest and concern.

In addition, they also attended the 19th ASEAN-China Summit to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-China dialog relations, the 19th ASEAN-Japan Summit, the 18th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit, the 19th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the First ASEAN-Australia Summit, the 8th ASEAN-UN Summit, the 14th ASEAN-India Summit, the 4th ASEAN-United States of America Summit, and the 11th East Asia Summit.

Source: ANTARA