Trade to be focus of Australia, Indonesia talks

Updated

July 03, 2012 07:57:04


Look back at the issues and events that have defined Australia and Indonesia's relationship
Video: Look back at the issues and events that have defined Australia and Indonesia’s relationship
(ABC News)

Trade, aid, and asylum seekers are expected to dominate the agenda when Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono begin talks in Darwin this morning.

The two leaders will start the day with the official bilateral meeting at Northern Territory’s Parliament House.

Mr Yudhoyono has signalled a desire for Australia to increase investment in his country.

Last night, he told a state dinner he would like to see Australia become one of Indonesia’s top 10 trading partners.

Ms Gillard told the crowd at the presidential dinner that the “tough issue” of people smuggling will be tackled during the bilateral talks.

“It’s a remarkable tribute to the relationship between our nations that now, when faced by these hard issues, we turn towards each other, rather than turning away,” she said.

“I believe problems which once threatened to divide us now only bring us closer together.”

Ms Gillard says it is time for the two countries to roll up their sleeves.

“Travel and study, investment and trade, are all growing with greater opportunities to grow more in the years to come,” she said.

Throughout the day Mr Yudhoyono will also hold talks with Australian ministers and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.

Topics:
world-politics,
trade,
international-aid-and-trade,
government-and-politics,
federal-government,
darwin-0800,
nt,
australia,
indonesia

First posted

July 03, 2012 06:54:56



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