TEMPO.CO, Canberra - Australian opposition Tony Abbott says that Indonesia will be his first travel priority if he is elected prime minister after the election on Saturday.
"By virtue of its size, proximity, its developing power, overall it’s the most important country to Australia," he said.
Abbott also vowed to focus his foreign policies on Asia if he assumes office, making his travel priorities to Indonesia, China, Japan and South Korea, he said in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.
"Only after our regional and trading partners have been suitably attended to would I make the traditional trips to Washington and London," Abbot added. "In the end your focus has got to be on the relationships that need the most attention."
Abbot’s foreign policy credentials have been widely criticized during the election campaign, culminating this week when he said the escalating Syria conflict "is not goodies versus baddies, it is baddies versus baddies".
In an interview with the ABC’s "Kitchen Cabinet", Abbot stated he is prepared to step aside as the opposition leader if he fails to win the elections.
The Australian elections will be held this Saturday. Australians overseas, including those residing in Indonesia, have been able to vote at Australian embassies since August 26.
GULF NEWS | SYDNEY MORNING HERALD | ABC | NATALIA SANTI
