Hurley and his delegation arrived at the palace at around 9 a.m. local time and were welcomed by cavalry troops and the musical corps of the Presidential Security Guard (Paspampres).
President Widodo greeted the Australian delegates and invited them to listen to the national anthems of Indonesia and Australia playing in harmony with 21 cannon blasts.
As the blasts ceased, the president and the governor general then held a joint inspection on guards of honor at the palace before mutually introducing their delegates.
The Indonesian delegation included Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and State Secretary Minister Pratikno.
Thereafter, President Widodo invited Governor General Hurley to a photo session and to sign the state guest book at the palace's Teratai Room.
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The two figures then headed to the palace's veranda where they had a brief conversation before joining a tree-planting session.
Furthermore, Widodo guided Hurley to tour the nearby Bogor Botanical Garden aboard a golf car. The Indonesian head of state took the driving seat during the tour.
According to a statement received from the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, the governor general and his spouse Linda Hurley are on an official visit to Indonesia on May 14-18.
The visit is being undertaken in celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations nurtured between Indonesia and Australia.
"Indonesia is and always will be one of Australia's most important strategic partners. Neighbors by geography, we are partners and friends by choice," Hurley stated prior to the visit.
He also said that he would make the most of his visit to celebrate the bilateral diplomatic relations and laud parties involved in maintaining the harmonious relations.
Related news: Indonesia, Australia discuss efforts to strengthen cooperation
Translator: Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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