Australia, Indonesia reach agreement on treaty-level defense pact

By Anadolu staff

Australia and Indonesia announced Tuesday that they have concluded a bilateral treaty-level "Defence Cooperation Agreement," which will be signed in Jakarta soon.

In a joint statement with Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the historic treaty will bolster their strong defense cooperation by deepening dialogue, strengthening interoperability, and enhancing practical arrangements.

"It will be a vital plank for our two countries to support each other's security, which is crucial not only for both nations but also for the stability of the region we share," Albanese said.

He added that the agreement will be signed in Indonesia soon.

"Australia will continue to work in partnership with Indonesia on its priorities. Indonesia is on track to be among the world's largest economies by 2040, and Australia is well-positioned to be a partner in Indonesia's growth," he said.

For his part, Indonesia's president-elect praised the defense pact, saying, "We have achieved good progress, great progress."

"May I say, in our Defence Cooperation Agreement, we have ironed out some legalistic details, I think, with a very good outcome," said Subianto, who is also Indonesia's defense minister.

Subianto arrived in Canberra on Monday on his first visit to Australia since Indonesia’s general election in February.

Subianto also sought Australia’s help to fight against drugs, saying he needs Canberra's help, advice, and assistance in agriculture, food security, and combating the serious problem of drugs and narcotics.

"I view the drugs problem and the narcotics threat to be of the highest importance in Indonesia, and I really value Australian help in this case," he said.

Commenting on the defense cooperation agreement, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles called it a "significant moment for the national security of both of our countries."

"It will provide for many more exercises between our defense forces. It will see us working together in the global commons to support the rules-based order, and importantly, it will allow us to operate from each other's countries," he explained.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid