PM Transcripts

JJ, AUSTAL IA& L
PROME MONISTER PRESS STATEMENT NO. 31
January 1973
VISIT TO INDONESIA
The Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Mr. E. G. Whitlam, announced today that he would make an official
visit to Indonesia from 20 to 23 February inclusive.
Mr. Whitlam said that he would fly to Port Moresby on
18 February and from there to Jakarta, with a brief stop en route
at Bali. He would be accompanied by Mrs. Whitlam.
Mr. Whitlam said that he looked forward to the visit
to Indonesia with keen interest.
" It is appropriate that my first visit overseas,, after
my meetings with the leaders of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea,
should be to Indonesia,"! he said.
" Because of its proximity to Australia and Papua New
Guinea, and because of its size and influence in the region,
Indonesia is of major and permanent importance to Australia.
" I have already stated my Government's intention to
develop and strengthen our relations with Indonesia. And I know
from my personal c6ntacts with the Indonesian leaders that this
wish is reciprocated. " The futures of our countries are indissolubly linked
together and our relationship will be a crucial factor in
determining the future of our region for the rest of this century".
Mr. Whitlam added: " I am only sorry that the amount
of work facing me at home prevents me at present from extending
this visit to our other neighbours in the region who also have a
very important place in Australia's international relations".
CANBERRA