SYDNEY, Australia: Australia and Indonesia have approved a treaty-level defence cooperation agreement allowing their militaries to operate from each other’s territories. Announced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a joint press conference with Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto in Canberra, the agreement marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral security ties.
Albanese highlighted that this agreement is crucial for the security of both nations and the stability of the region. The two countries, which share the world’s longest maritime boundary, already collaborate on various issues like security, people-trafficking, and drug smuggling.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the deep strategic trust between the nations, stating that this agreement solidifies their shared destiny. While Australia has been strengthening its defence partnerships through deals like the AUKUS alliance, Prabowo reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to non-alignment, maintaining good relations with both China and the United States.
