This is his first bilateral visit since Labor came to power in Australia: New Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday for a three-day visit. The two leaders showed their good understanding with a bike ride in the presidential park.
Shirt sleeves rolled up, helmet screwed on his head, Anthony Albanese got on his brand new bamboo bike – to ride side by side with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Quite a symbol to display the good understanding between Australia and Indonesia. “ We are bound not only by geography, but by choice “, he insisted to Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
The new Prime Minister has left no doubt: he will come to Bali in November to attend the G20 summit with the other leaders of the planet. A policy that contrasts with that of his predecessor. Scott Morrison had still felt that sitting at the same table as the Russian president would go too far. Anthony Albanese does not refuse to meet Vladimir Putineven if he judges his heinous and unlawful conduct “.
Countering Beijing’s Influence in Southeast Asia
The arrival of Anthony Albanese has everything to please Jakarta, as does his promise to strengthen cooperation on the issue of trade, climate change and regional security. The new Labor government knows it needs Indonesia and neighboring countries if it is to counter China’s influence. Since coming to power, the new team has therefore launched a veritable charm operation in the Pacific region.
Our meeting was an opportunity to move forward with our agenda on trade, investment, education and skills exchanges, climate change and energy transition. pic.twitter.com/bMWLa0tAzI
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) June 6, 2022