Jokowi To Visit Australia

JAKARTA, Feb 24 (Antara) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is scheduled to visit Australia from Feb 25 to 26 to meet Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. The president will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during the visit, spokesman for the Indonesian Foreign Ministry Arrmanatha Nasir said here on Thursday. Nasir stated that the visit was important to demonstrate the close ties between the two neighboring countries and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation based on mutual respect. While in Australia, Jokowi will attend a private dinner hosted by Turnbull. The two leaders will be accompanied by their spouses during the dinner. Jokowi and Turnbull will discuss crucial issues, particularly the economic sector, including ways to accelerate the implementation of Indonesia-Australia Economic Partnership, he stated. They will also discuss the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including education, cyber security, maritime cooperation, and investment. During the visit, the government will encourage the expansion of Australian market for Indonesian products, particular wood, which has secured FLEGT licensing. To enhance people-to-people relations, the president will inaugurate the Bahasa Indonesia Center. To date, three Australian schools have opened Bahasa Indonesia department. "We will encourage the internationalization of Bahasa Indonesia. There are three Bahasa Indonesia schools, including those in Canberra and Melbourne," he noted. In the course of the visit, the two countries will sign memorandums of understanding, including those related to maritime cooperation and cyber security. Jokowi's entourage will include the trade minister, the foreign minister, the coordinating minister for economic affairs, and the chief of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).