Jokowi Receives Appreciation Regarding His Contribution To Tackling Forest Fires In Australia

JAKARTA - Australian Governor General David Hurley expressed his appreciation to President Joko Widodo for the contribution of the Indonesian Government in handling the forest fires that hit Australia.

This was based on a release from the Press, Media and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat. David said this while entertaining President Jokowi at a state lunch at Government House, Canberra, Australia, on Sunday, February 9.

"We are very grateful for Indonesia's assistance in dealing with forest fires in Australia by sending more than 30 armed forces engineers to contribute to Operation Bushfire Assist," Hurley said.

"When we need it, your country helps our country, that is a sign of true friendship," he added.

President Joko Widodo attended this luncheon as part of a series of state welcoming ceremonies for President Jokowi's arrival in Australia.

President Jokowi said that his visit to Canberra was the first time. President Jokowi's presence in Australia this time also coincided with 70 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Australia. Jokowi visited Australia for a working visit until Monday, February 10.

He said, this visit was carried out in the midst of an uncertain world situation.

"This visit, I conducted at a time when the world situation was uncertain and filled with various challenges, including the recent outbreak of the corona virus," said the President.

Furthermore, the President said that he also made the visit when Australia was facing a quite massive forest fire challenge.

"It is precisely at times like these that it is important for a friend to visit. Strengthen each other in difficult times and strengthen each other to contribute to the world," added the President.

President Jokowi conveyed Indonesia's commitment to continue to maintain good relations with neighboring countries, including Australia. The President hopes that the two countries can continue to work together with mutual benefits in various fields.

"We will continue to strengthen economic relations through the implementation of IA-CEPA. We will continue to strengthen inter-community relations through educational cooperation," he said.