Minister of Defense of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, recently held bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Richard Marles, in Canberra, Australia on Tuesday (20/8).
During the meeting, both parties discussed defense cooperation between the two countries. Indonesia and Australia are planning to renew their cooperation through the “Defence Cooperation Agreement” (DCA) in order to strengthen bilateral relations.
“We have made significant progress on the DCA. We have resolved several legal details that I believe will be very beneficial,” stated Prabowo.
Albanese mentioned that this historic agreement will enhance defense cooperation between Indonesia and Australia through dialogue, strong interoperability, and improved field practices.
“This agreement will serve as a crucial reference point for both countries and for regional stability,” Albanese added.
Marles noted that the successful completion of negotiations for the new defense agreement will allow both countries to expand joint military exercises.
“In the future, Australia and Indonesia will work closely together and broaden the scope and complexity of joint exercises as we address regional challenges jointly,” Marles said.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking Australian officials, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Finance Minister Jim Chalmers, Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Julie Collins, Minister for Resources Madeleine King, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, and Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams. (RR)
