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Australia and Indonesia have strengthened security ties with the signing of the Australia‑Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement in Indonesia.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles signed the historic agreement alongside Indonesian President-elect and Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto.
The treaty-level agreement will allow for enhanced practical cooperation and interoperability between the two countries’ defence forces in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, humanitarian and disaster relief, logistics support, education and training, as well as across defence industry.
The agreement enables more complex joint activities and exercises between the Australian Defence Force and Indonesian National Armed Forces.
In addition, Australia and Indonesia will operate from each other’s countries for mutually determined cooperative activities. The agreement also continues the exchange of personnel for education and training, as well as technical cooperation, including in areas of science and technology, and enhanced legal protections for respective personnel.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles said Australia and Indonesia share a mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“As one of our closest neighbours, Australia’s relationship with Indonesia is essential to our nation’s security and prosperity,” the Deputy PM said.
“The signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement with Indonesia represents the most significant defence agreement in the history of our two countries.
“This agreement reflects our mutual determination to grow the defence partnership in support of the global rules-based order.
“I would like to thank my counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, for his leadership and partnership in seeing the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed today.”
“The signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement reflects our countries’ commitment to upholding the rules-based order in our region,” he said.
“Australia is committed to working with our regional partners in support of a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
