Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs drew attention to the vital role of Indonesian students in Australia in intensifying relations between the two nations.

"Indonesian students in Australia play a vital role in fostering stronger ties between two nations as they pursue their studies, engage with Australian peers, and represent Indonesia's rich cultural heritage and values," Director for Pacific and Oceania Affairs of the ministry Adi Dzulfuat stated.

According to a press release from the Indonesian Students Association in Australia (PPIA) obtained by ANTARA, here on Tuesday, Dzulfuat delivered his statement in his speech at the 9th Indonesian Students International Conference 2024 (KIPI 2024) organized by PPIA.

On that occasion, Dzulfuat highlighted Australia as one of the first countries to recognize Indonesia's independence in 1945.

In addition, he spotlighted several achievements in bilateral cooperation between the two countries, such as the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2018, which includes defense, maritime, trade, and development cooperation.

Apart from the strategic partnership, Indonesia and Australia also agreed to a comprehensive economic partnership that has increased trade and investment between the two countries.

He expressed hope that the two countries would continue to build a more peaceful, prosperous, and stable region.

Themed “Commemorating 75 years of Australia-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations towards Indonesia Golden Generation in 2045,” the two-day conference, which was held in a hybrid format, consisted of two keynote speeches, five plenary sessions, and oral presentations in parallel sessions.

The event, held at the Patricia O'Shane Building, Kensington Campus, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, successfully invited speakers from three professional backgrounds.

Government officials were invited to the KIPI table to share their expertise in policy-making and regulation-based thinking. Academicians and researchers presented their research-based thoughts during the discussion.

Meanwhile, industry leaders shared real-world experiences of growing the industry based on their passion at the KIPI table.

In his remarks on the first day of the conference, PPIA President Wildan Ali expressed his views on PPIA's role in Indonesia-Australia relations.

“For 43 years, PPIA has fostered strong Indonesia-Australia relations by creating dynamic platforms for cultural exchange, academic collaborations, and professional networking, empowering students to become influential advocates and bridge builders between both nations,” Ali remarked.

Meanwhile, Australia's Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Penny Williams, and Indonesia's Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Siswo Pramono, sent their opening remarks video to officially open KIPI 2024.

They both emphasized the importance of KIPI as a strategic platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge among Indonesian students to solve complex problems in Indonesia and how the students play roles in strengthening the relations between Indonesia and Australia.

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