Indonesian President Jokowi Set to Visit Australia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Sydney, 13 Jumadil Awwal 1438/10 February 2017 )MINA) – Australian businesses with operations in Indonesia are set to get some face time with President Joko Widodo during a one-day visit to Sydney.

Improving trade and investment ties is expected to be a key focus of Mr Widodo’s official visit to Australia on February 26.

He will meet with Australian business representatives already operating or looking to expand into the growing southeast Asian economic powerhouse.

There are only about 500 Australian businesses in Indonesia.

Indonesia is Australia’s twelfth largest trade partner.

The president and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, both former businessmen, are set to discuss progress on negotiations for a free trade deal during their bilateral meeting.

AAP understands there is likely to be several announcements and formal agreements on security, economic ties and people-to-people links and tourism.

Mr Widodo, known informally as Jokowi, will also greet Indonesian expats living in Australia at a community concert with Indonesian performers.

Governor-General Peter Cosgrove will host the president for a special dinner overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Mr Widodo was due to visit Australia late last year but was forced to postpone after mass protests erupted in the capital at comments Jakarta governor made about the Koran. (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)