Australia affirms good relationship with Indonesia

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop speaks to Indonesian President Joko Widodo. (Source: ABC News)

Sydney (VNA) – Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop affirmed Australia is having a good relationship with Indonesia at her meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta on October 26.

In the meeting during Bishop’s visit, the two sides mainly discussed issues related to President Joko Widodo’s visit to Australia at the beginning of next month.

Talking to the press, Minister Julie Bishop said besides the trip, the two sides also mentioned issues relating to terrorism, the handling of extremists, cooperation between intelligence agencies and trade promotion.

She said the sharing of intelligence information and close cooperation between Australia and Indonesia are necessary to ensure safety for citizens of the two countries in the face of terrorist risks.

Bishop also met Indonesian Security Minister Wiranto to discuss measures coping with citizens of the two countries returning from Syria and Iraq. She said around 110 Australian citizens and 500 Indonesians are participating in terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria.

She said international coordination is needed to monitor and follow the movement of these dangerous individuals.

Bishop and Wiranto also discussed issues relating to East Sea, affirming that Australia and Indonesia shared the same viewpoint on the issue, focusing on reducing tensions between sides.

This is Bishop’s eighth trip to Indonesia as Foreign Minister.-VNA