Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will improve its cattle farm partnership with Australia, especially in the region of Nusa Tenggara, said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during his visit to Darwin here on Monday.

President Yudhoyono, speaking at a press conference held in the Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase, said that Indonesia has imported beef from Australia for a long time, and now wants to take this partnership forward.

"Cooperation in cattle farm is important since beef demand is increasing. This bilateral partnership marked by the Indonesian beef purchase from Australia will create a framework appropriate to food autonomy," said Yudhoyono, here Monday.

Thus, he asked for greater investment in the development of Indonesia's cattle industry, besides the import of Australian beef, during his dialogue with Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The investment in cattle industry of Indonesia is expected to be developed in Nusa Tenggara and Papua provinces, which will allow for indigenous Indonesian production instead of imports.

Talks to improve cooperation between Indonesia and Australia on the development and expansion of Indonesia's economic development (MP3EI), V and VI corridors, as well as the infrastructure in eastern Indonesia, are also scheduled to be held.

Beside meeting PM Julia Gillard, President Yudhoyono, will also meet Australian businessmen to promote investments in Indonesian businesses. President Yudhoyono will be in town till Wednesday.

During his visit to Darwin, President Yudhoyono is also accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Adm. Agus Suhartono, and Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam. A number of governors including Balinese Made Mangku Pastika, East Nusa tenggara Frans Lebu Raya and West Papua Abraham Ataruri are also part of the delegation.

(T.F013/INE/O001)

Editor: Suryanto
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