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./.