This week, I will travel to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, in my first official visit to the region as Minister for International Development.
Australia is a reliable, steadfast development partner and we are stepping up at a time of global uncertainty – investing record levels of development assistance and responding to local priorities.
Australia’s development programs in Southeast Asia advance our shared interests in a secure, stable and prosperous region. We are focused on challenges and opportunities in what is one of the most dynamic regions in the world.
In Jakarta, I will meet with senior Indonesian ministers and civil society partners to discuss bilateral cooperation across Indonesia’s development priorities. Australia is committed to working with Indonesia and ASEAN partners to progress our shared priorities in the region.
I will also travel to Surabaya, Indonesia’s second largest city. I will visit Western Sydney University’s first international campus and meet with Indonesian alumni who studied in Australia. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss our education and disaster preparedness partnerships with regional leaders.
In Dili, I will meet with senior leaders in Timor-Leste’s Government to discuss how we can advance Timor-Leste's development priorities as the country prepares to join ASEAN this October.
Alongside the Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore, and Australia’s Business Champion for Timor-Leste, Shane Walden, I will attend the Timor-Leste Australia Economic and Business Conference.
The Conference is an opportunity to reaffirm Australia’s commitment to partnering with Timor-Leste on its economic growth and diversification goals.