Indonesia important partner for Australia: Defense Minister

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Australian Defense Minister Linda Reynolds has stated that Indonesia was a very important partner for Australia, therefore the country in the Asia Pacific Region wants to continue to strengthen the long-standing bilateral relations based on mutual interests.

The statement was conveyed by Minister Linda Reynolds during a dialogue with her counterpart, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto at the Indonesia-Australia Defense Ministers’ meeting, which is the highest forum to discuss defense cooperation between the two countries.

The bilateral meeting was held before the 6th Indonesia-Australia Foreign and Defense Ministers’ 2 + 2 Meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Friday, as quoted from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense website.

“Australia considers its close relationship with Indonesia as a comprehensive and strategic partnership,” the Australian Minister said.

She added that Australia appreciated the enhancement and development of defense cooperation with Indonesia which had been significantly increased over the years.

The enhanced bilateral defense cooperation has greatly been contributing to the close relations between the two countries.

“We appreciate the cooperation in the defense sector in an effort to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries,” Australia’s Defense Minister said.

A number of programs in the defense sector cooperation between Indonesia and Australia includes education, exchange visits, coordinated patrols, and joint exercises between the Armed Forces of the two countries.

The bilateral meeting in Bali was the second after a few weeks ago the Indonesian and Australian Defense Ministers met on the sidelines of the ADMM (ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting) Plus in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reporting by Indonesia Window