- Western Australia strengthens relationship with Indonesia through renewal of East Java sister-state agreement
- The cultural event celebrated the renewal, and formed part of the WA Government's Indonesia Connect Roadshow
WA Premier Roger Cook and the Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, have signed a new sister-state agreement, to reinforce the strong relationship between Western Australia and East Java.
Celebrated at a cultural event last night, hosted by Invest and Trade WA, the event marked an important part of the Indonesia Connect Roadshow, and represented an opportunity to deepen ties between the two regions.
Both regions have benefited from the now 33-yearlong agreement, which covers a broad range of areas of cooperation, from trade and investment to social development projects.
The sister-state relationship has also expanded into new areas such as higher education and energy.
The cultural event was also attended by WA Minister's David Templeman and Jackie Jarvis, as well as Indonesia Connect Roadshow delegates.
A highlight of the evening involved a musical performance by an ensemble of students from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, with musicians from STKW Surabaya University.
The Cook Government is currently leading the State's biggest overseas investment and trade mission.
The mission, led by Premier Cook, is made up of 130 WA business, industry, media and Government representatives, providing a platform to promote the State as a recognised and trusted partner in Indonesia.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"This cultural event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our more than three-decade sister-state relationship with East Java.
"I look forward to our two states continuing to collaborate and grow together with the latest renewal of the agreement."
As stated by International Education Minister David Templeman:
"A fantastic example of collaboration between WA and East Java is the Western Australian East Java Universities Consortium.
"The Consortium allows Australian and Indonesian students to visit respective universities for short-term studies and cultural experiences."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The Indonesia Connect Roadshow has allowed the WA Government to showcase the relationship our region shares, and build future ties.
"Tonight's cultural dinner was a profound way to acknowledge the success of our sister-state relationship, and look to the future together."
