Albanese to fly to Indonesia today for talks with president
Anthony Albanese is flying to Jakarta today for a three-day visit with trade, climate change and energy top of the agenda in his talks with Indonesian president Joko Widodo.
Joining the prime minister are the foreign minister Penny Wong, trade minister Don Farrell, industry minister Ed Husic and the MP and member for Solomon, Luke Gosling. There’s a delegation of business leaders as well.
The trip is Albanese’s second overseas diplomatic effort coming after the Quad leaders’ summit with the US, India and Japan the day after he won the federal election.
Of the Indonesia visit, Albanese said:
Indonesia is one of our closest neighbours, which is why I committed to visiting as soon as possible.
Our two countries have a long history of cooperation and friendship, and my government will work with Indonesia to deepen this.
AAP also reports the Indonesia-Australia comprehensive economic partnership agreement will be discussed, as well as Australia’s proposed $200m climate and infrastructure fund.
While in Jakarta, Albanese will also meet with Dato Lim Jock Hoi, the general secretary of Asean, the political grouping of southeast Asian countries.
A high-level delegation of Australian business leaders will also travel to Indonesia as part of the country’s contingent.
AAP reports the talks in Jakarta comes amid growing tensions in the Pacific, after China sought to sign a multi-nation deal with countries in the region, as well as multiple bilateral partnerships.
Indonesia had raised concerns last year about Australia signing up to the Aukus security pact with the UK and US, as well as its decision to acquire nuclear submarines as part of the deal.
Welcome and a catch-up on the news
Happy Sunday everybody.
You’ve got me, Graham Readfearn, for your live news today. Looks like most of us are waking up to a nice, crisp and chilly morning with temperatures hovering around 10C in most of the main centres.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese will swap the 9C of Canberra for the 24C of Jakarta for the start of a three-day visit to Indonesia today. More about that shortly.
Here’s what you might have missed from yesterday.
Rug up if you’re heading out (unless you’re in Darwin or Jakarta) or settle down with us with a warm drink and a blankie.
Let’s go Sunday.
