"He has informed me that the Australian government will open a consulate general in Makassar, South Sulawesi," Jusuf Kalla said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has informed Vice President Jusuf Kalla about his countrys plan to open a consulate general in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

"He has informed me that the Australian government will open a consulate general in Makassar, South Sulawesi," Jusuf Kalla said here after meeting Bishop on Monday.

The opening of the consulate, the vice president noted, is expected to increase Australian investments in Makassar.

"Australia is relatively close to the eastern part of Indonesia," the vice president said.

The vice president said he did not discuss the issue of terrorism in Indonesia with Julie Bishop.

"I think, it was discussed with Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Panjaitan," he remarked.

The meeting was also attended by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Paul Grigson.

Grigson listed trade, education and culture as three priority sectors that the consulate general in Makassar would pursue.

The new consulate general would lead to increased cooperation between Australia and South Sulawesi, increased investment, exports as well as imports.

It would invite Australian entrepreneurs to invest in tourism sector as Makassar has the potential for it. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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