Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrives in Australia to sign lucrative trade deal

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has touched down in Australia for an official visit.

Joko Widodo (centre) receives a ceremonial welcome at Government House

Joko Widodo (centre) receives a ceremonial welcome at Government House Source: AAP

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has met with Governor-General David Hurley ahead of signing a lucrative free trade agreement with Australia.           

Mr Widodo and his wife Iriana flew into Canberra on Saturday night for an official visit, which will also see him address the federal parliament on Monday - something his predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also did in 2010.

The president was given a ceremonial welcome on Sunday at Government House - the official residence of the Governor-General -  where he was also greeted by Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

The Indonesian parliament gave the green light to the new trade deal last week, allowing the president and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to sign-off on the agreement on Monday morning.

Indonesia and Australia already enjoy bilateral trade worth $17.8 billion as of 2018.
Australian Governor-General David Hurley (right) and Indonesian President Joko Widodo (left).
Australian Governor-General David Hurley (right) and Indonesian President Joko Widodo (left) Source: AAP
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham says the new trade agreement with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world will provide a major boost for Australian farmers through lower tariffs and improved access.

Indonesian goods will be subject to zero tariffs when entering Australia, while tariffs on 94 per cent of Australian goods imported to Indonesia will be eliminated gradually.

The deal's signing was delayed after Mr Morrison said in late 2018 that Australia was considering moving its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Indonesia, the country with the world's largest Muslim population, is a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and has warned against such a move because it could undermine the Middle East peace process.
Mr Widodo will also hold discussions with Mr Morrison's cabinet members on Monday, and separately will meet Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, before making a speech to the MPs and senators in the chamber of the House or Representatives.

Convicted drug trafficker Renae Lawrence took the opportunity of Mr Widodo's visit to  imprisoned in Indonesia or a prisoner exchange with Australia.

"These humane actions will in some small part bring our nations closer together," she told reporters in her first public comments since her release in 2018.


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Published 9 February 2020 1:21pm



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