PM Transcripts

Transcripts from the Prime Ministers of Australia

Abbott, Tony

Period of Service: 18/09/2013 - 15/09/2015
Release Date:
30/09/2013
Release Type:
Transcript
Transcript ID:
23011
Location:
Sydney
Remarks at Sydney Airport

I said pre-election on numerous occasions that I wanted the first overseas visit of the incoming Government to be this trip to Indonesia.

I have said repeatedly that I want our foreign policy to have a Jakarta, not a Geneva focus.

And I have said, and I mean, that while Indonesia may not yet be our most important economic or security relationship, it is in many respects our most important relationship.

So, I am pleased to be going. I am pleased to have with me the Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, the Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb.

I am also pleased to be accompanied by a delegation of some 20 senior Australian business leaders.

I want this to be the practice for significant prime ministerial trips overseas.

I believe these are a great opportunity to showcase Australia and to offer ourselves to the world on a mutually beneficial basis.

So, I am very pleased to be going to Indonesia, we will be covering a range of matters because this is an important relationship and it is important to get it right at the start of this new Government.

[ends]

23011