Doorstop – Makassar, Indonesia

Transcript
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: This is the first visit by any Australian Prime Minister to Makassar. Makassar is an important financial centre, it is the largest city in eastern Indonesia, and the visit here is to signify as well that the Australian Government understands that Indonesia is such a vast country and that we need to reach out. There are opportunities for Australian business and investment here in Indonesia. We'll be visiting the second largest flour mill in Indonesia, one of the largest in the world, that’s using Australian wheat, producing products here and then exporting the end product back to Australia. There are huge opportunities for Australian business and investment here in Indonesia, and I'm very pleased to be here in Makassar that, of course, has centuries of involvement going back to the trade that occurred between seafarers here in Makassar and the Yolngu people of Arnhem Land.

JOURNALIST: And what does this really say about Australia’s new relationship with Indonesia going forward, with the visit?

PRIME MINISTER: That it's a sophisticated relationship. We had a very successful visit in Jakarta, and a wonderful, warm welcome from President Widodo, and the Indonesian Government were very pleased when I made a request to visit Makassar. I wanted to make sure that we send a message, as well, that we understand that this vast country is one that's diverse, one that is a land of opportunity, it will grow into the future. Makassar has a great future as part of Indonesia's growth, which will see it grow to one of the top five economies in the world in coming years.

Thanks very much.