REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – A historic meeting held Australia-Indonesia Foreign and Defence Ministers (“2+2”) Dialogue in Canberra, on Thursday. The 2+2 Dialogue is an important and historic step in further strengthening the already very close relationship between Australia and Indonesia, as mentioned in a press release sent to Republika.
Foreign Minister Senator Bob Carr said he looked forward to wide-ranging discussions with Dr Natalegawa and Dr Yusgiantoro on foreign and defence policy matters of common interest, to identify bilateral, regional and global challenges and opportunities.
“This dialogue with our Indonesian friends and neighbours serves as an essential forum for identifying areas of future bilateral cooperation.”
This inaugural meeting of Foreign and Defence Ministers will focus on bilateral cooperation under the Lombok Treaty, wider regional cooperation, the current global environment and its consequences for Australia and Indonesia. Australia’s close and important relationship with Indonesia is underpinned by the Lombok Treaty, including a shared commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of both countries.
“Australia and Indonesia are working to expand defence and security cooperation and to bolster coordination on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, international peacekeeping, anti-piracy efforts and maritime security,” Australian Minister of Defence, Stephen Smith.
“This dialogue will enhance the long-standing political, economic, social, defence and security cooperation which exist between Australia and Indonesia, and help chart a course for our common regional interests and ties, including in the stability, progress and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.”
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