Jakarta, Aug. 18 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted Indonesia's crucial role as a partner in maintaining regional security while extending his greetings on Indonesia's 81st Independence Day.

"Australia's peace, security and stability are dependent on the security of our region, and in turn, on a united, stable and sovereign Indonesia. To us, no relationship is more important," Albanese said in a speech at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra.

In a live broadcast on the Australian Parliament House streaming portal monitored from Jakarta on Monday, he noted that this commitment was demonstrated by making Indonesia the destination for his first bilateral visits after being elected as prime minister in both 202...