Indonesia Congratulates Australia on New Prime Minister

Jakarta, ZMINA — The government of Indonesia congratulated Scott Morrison on his being elected the new Australian prime minister, replacing Malcolm Turnbull, Antara News reported, citing a written statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs here on Saturday.

Indonesia noted Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s strong commitment to continue promoting mutually beneficial bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia, who remain close neighbors.

“With the new Australian prime minister, Indonesia is ready to intensify the comprehensive Indonesia-Australia partnership cooperation for the welfare of the people of both countries and the region,” according to the statement.

Australian Finance Minister Scott Morrison became the new prime minister of the country after winning the election as Liberal Party chairman on Friday.

Morrison, who will be Australia`s sixth prime minister in the past 10 years, received the most votes when pitted against former Interior Minister Peter Duton  and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

His victory is expected to resolve the split in the Liberal Party, prior to the general election in May 2019.

In the meantime, incumbent Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull decided not to participate in the election, after losing the support of the majority of party members.

The Liberal Party is the largest group in the coalition of conservatives in Australia. In a number of polls held in recent months, the coalition has been left behind by the opposition Labor Party.     (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)