JAKARTA: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Thursday made his first visit to Indonesia since taking power, seeking to repair a key relationship strained by repeated crises under his conservative predecessor.
Ties between the neighbours sank to their lowest level in years under former premier Tony Abbott, over rows about Jakarta's execution of Australian drug smugglers, Canberra's hardline policy of turning migrant boats back to Indonesia and espionage allegations.
Hopes are high that relations will improve under Turnbull, who took power in a Liberal Party coup in September. His views are more socially liberal than Abbott, whose tough approach often riled Jakarta.
Despite signs of warming relations, Turnbull's government has shown no signal of easing its tough immigration laws and the controversial policy of turning back boats from its shores remains a source of tension.
Arriving in Jakarta, Turnbull signalled he would try to keep the focus of the one-day visit firmly on economic ties, saying he and Indonesian President Joko Widodo were "both businessmen that got into politics".
"Trade, investment, economic growth, stronger economies -- in both Indonesia and Australia for the benefit of both sides -- is the focus of the discussions," he told reporters in Jakarta, before heading to the presidential palace for talks with Widodo.
The allies are key trade partners, with Indonesia a major market for Australian exports, including cattle and wheat. Australian Trade Minister Andrew Robb is set to lead a large delegation of Australian business leaders to Indonesia next week.
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