CANBERRA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has offered Indonesia whatever assistance it requires to recover from a deadly tsunami that rocked the nation.
More than 400 people were killed and some 500 injured when a powerful earthquake caused the tsunami, which struck the island of Sulawesi on Friday.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday said he had reached out to Indonesian President Joko Widodo to pledge his support.
"If he needs our help, he'll have it," Morrison told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Morrison visited Indonesia in August only days after becoming prime minister. During the visit, officials concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between the neighbours.
Bill Shorten, leader of the opposition Australian Labor Party, reaffirmed Morrison's support.
"Labor stands with the government in offering whatever support is needed to help the people of Indonesia recover from this tragedy," he said.
"Australia should consider all available options to help in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy, as well as longer term assistance to support the people of Sulawesi to rebuild their homes and infrastructure."
