Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on March 10 agreed to
elevate their bilateral relationship to the level of a comprehensive
strategic partnership.
During the Indonesian
President’s visit to Australia , the two countries also signed a
framework agreement on cooperation in combating the trafficking of
humans.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Canberra , Rudd said the
agreement would beef up bilateral cooperation in coping with regional
and global challenges.
The two sides also agreed to tighten collaboration in a series of
fields such as economy, education, response to climate change and
anti-terrorism, Rudd said.
The Australian PM spoke highly of Indonesia ’s efforts in the fight
against terrorism, announcing that the two nations have decided to
organise defence minister and foreign minister-level annual meetings.
PM Rudd pledged to closely cooperate with Indonesia in extradition --
an issue that both countries have grappled with for a long time and
which requires suitable solutions.
President Yudhoyono said the Indonesia-Australia relationship is now
solid and strong. The two countries have cooperated closely at
bilateral, regional and international forums, especially on issues
regarding climate change and the global financial crisis.
The Indonesian president said the two sides agreed to expand
cooperation in four major fields: security, anti-terrorism, military
cooperation and fight against trans-national crime, including human
trafficking./.