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Anthony Albanese wobbles as he cycles alongside Indonesian president Joko Widodo on his second trip overseas after taking power
- Anthony Albanese joined President Joko Widodo on a cycling tour in Indonesia
- The two leaders chatted to one another as they cruised around palace grounds
- Witnesses said Mr Albanese appeared to struggle with slow pace of the bike ride
- Mr Albanese is on his second overseas tour and first bilateral visit as PM
Anthony Albanese wobbled as he cycled alongside the Indonesian president during his second overseas trip since taking power.
The Prime Minister joined Joko Widodo on a brief cycling tour around the presidential palace in Jakarta after being treated to a ceremonial welcome on Monday.
Witnesses said he appeared to struggle with the slow pace of the bike ride, while President Widodo rode confidently without wobbling.
Anthony Albanese (left) wobbled as he cycled alongside the Indonesian president during his second overseas trip since taking power
Mr Albanese and President Widodo have refreshments after a bicycle ride around the palace grounds
Mr Albanese is driven by President of Indonesia Joko Widodo around the palace grounds in a cart
The two leaders chatted to one another as they cruised around the palace grounds ahead of their private one-on-one meeting.
Mr Albanese said he was deeply touched by the Indonesian president’s suggestion of the cycle ride given many from humble beginnings in the country use bikes to get around.
The prime minister noted both he and President Widodo came from humble beginnings.
Mr Albanese is on his second overseas tour and first bilateral visit after flying to Tokyo for Quad security alliance meetings just two days after winning the May 21 election.
Indonesia, a nation of almost 300million people, is one of Australia’s closest neighbours and most important international partners.
When he arrived at the Bogor Palace, Mr Albanese was treated to a guard of honour and marching band procession.
President Widodo and Mr Albanese put their jackets and ties back on after a bicycle ride
The pair are pictured on a balcony at the palace after the bike ride around the grounds
Before the formal talks between the two leaders began, Mr Albanese planted a tree with President Widodo.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister held a business breakfast with a delegation of Australian business leaders and chief executives.
Mr Albanese briefed the delegation on plans for Australia elevating its relationship with Indonesia and southeast Asia, as well as boosting underdone trade and investment links.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong earlier met with her Indonesian counterpart, and said forging closer ties with Indonesia and the broader region would be crucial amid increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
‘We live in a time where the region is being reshaped and what is important is that countries work together to ensure that the region remains peaceful, prosperous and respectful of sovereignty,’ she said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese disembarks the plane on arrival in Jakarta on Monday
‘Indonesia is a very important partner for Australia, it’s a very important neighbour and it’s a country which will continue to develop and continue to be critically important to the security of the region.’
The meetings come as China tries to convince Pacific island nations to join a regional security partnership.
Senator Wong was travelling with the prime minister for the visit, along with Trade Minister Don Farrell, Industry Minister Ed Husic and Darwin-based MP Luke Gosling.
The prime minister will also meet with ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi, before taking part in a wreath-laying ceremony and then a business dinner.
He will fly to Makassar on Tuesday for the final day of his trip to Indonesia.
During the election campaign, Mr Albanese stressed Indonesia would be his first port of call for bilateral overseas visits.
With AAP
Mr Albanese (left) speaks to members of an Australian delegation including Business Council of Australia CEO Jennifer Westacott in Jakarta
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