Indonesia, Australia sign defense cooperation deal

By Anadolu staff

Indonesia and Australia have signed a defense cooperation agreement, the Indonesian state-run media said.

The deal was signed Thursday by Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles at the Indonesian Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java, according to Antara news agency.

"This agreement is a manifestation of our commitment to maintaining and strengthening our close bonds and harmonious friendship," Subianto, who is also president-elect, said in a video message.

The agreement will also encourage the two countries to contribute more to the preservation of stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region, he said.

However, Subianto added that it’s not a military alliance with Australia.

Prabowo Subianto will assume the Indonesian presidency in October this year.

On Aug. 20, during Subianto's visit to Australia, the two countries announced that they concluded a bilateral treaty-level defense cooperation agreement, which will be signed in Indonesia soon.

In a statement, Marles, who is also Australia’s deputy prime minister, said the agreement will allow enhanced practical cooperation and interoperability between our defense forces in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian and disaster relief, logistics support, education and training, as well as across defense industry.

"Australia is committed to working with our regional partners in support of a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific," he said.

The agreement will also promote joint activities and exercises between the armed forces of both countries, the statement said.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid