Visit to Indonesia, China and the Philippines

Media release:

4 December 2013

Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop will travel to Indonesia, Beijing and the Philippines from 5-8 December.

The Minister will lead a high level delegation to Jakarta for broad-ranging discussions about the bilateral relationship, following President Yudhoyono's recent statement.

In China, Ms Bishop will participate in the annual Foreign and Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Dialogue is a key mechanism to take forward our comprehensive bilateral agenda, and to discuss regional and global issues of common concern.

During the visit, the Minister will explore how young Australians will be able to capitalise on study and internship opportunities to be offered under the New Colombo Plan from 2015. She will also meet senior members of the Australian business community to discuss our vital and growing trade and investment ties.

In the Philippines, the Minister will travel to the Eastern Visayas area to assess the devastation wrought by Typhoon Haiyan.

Ms Bishop will visit the Tacloban field hospital operated by the Australian Medical Assistance Team which has treated more than 2000 people and performed 173 surgeries in the last two weeks. She will also meet Australian Defence Force personnel contributing to relief and reconstruction efforts in the Ormoc region under Operation PHILIPPINES ASSIST.

In Manila, Ms Bishop will meet Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and other Cabinet members responsible for the Philippines' post-typhoon recovery. Their discussions will also cover a range of bilateral and regional issues.

To date, Australia has committed humanitarian assistance worth $30 million to meet critical needs, including food, clean water, health care, shelter and logistic support.