Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has called for stronger regional economic integration as leaders of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia celebrate their golden 50th anniversary of their partnership. He emphasized the importance of ASEAN and Australia in maintaining regional stability, peace, and prosperity. Jokowi urged both sides to increase trade and investment ties, as ASEAN, hosting over 650 million people, is projected to be a global economic power and the fourth-largest economy by 2040. He also urged Australia to support the potential of Southeast Asia's 650 million young workforce, with high literacy skills, constituting the majority.During his visit to Australia, Jokowi held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, highlighting the commitment between the two countries to strengthen strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. He welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Collaboration of Electric Vehicles Development and encouraged collaboration on nickel. Jokowi also emphasized the need for expanded market access and cooperation in biosecurity for Indonesian products. He thanked Australia for its support during Indonesia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023 and expressed hope for continued cooperation and implementation of infrastructure and energy projects. Australia's total foreign direct investment in Indonesia reached EUR 504.4 million in 2023, ranking 10th out of 168 countries investing in the region.Link di fonte: https://en.antaranews.com/news/307812/jokowi-accentuates-asean-australia-cooperation-on-50th-anniversary?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_right (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: The Jakarta Post, 6 March 2024