TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) plans to meet Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull at ASEAN-Australia Summit on March 15-18 in Australia. The meeting will discuss both countries` relationship, from comprehensive partnership to be a strategic partnership.
Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said there would be two-plus-two ministerial meetings in the event. The meetings will discuss migrant smuggling, pacific diplomatics, and collaboration on maritime. While the meeting between Foreign Affairs Ministry minister Retno Marsudi and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will focus on the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership (IA-CEPA).
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Generally, IA-CEPA negotiation has made some progress. In March 2018, the progress is hoped to be accelerated. Indonesia and Australia are committed to concluding the negotiation this year.
“IA-CEPA is important for both countries involved to collaborate in the strategic partnership which more beneficial in economy and trade sector,” said Arrmanatha, Thursday, March 8 at Ministry office, Jakarta.
Arrmanatha added, in his visit to Australia, Jokowi will have a dinner feast with Turnbull for 30 minutes. The invitation shows the close partnership between Australia and Indonesia.
Tempo.co