Indonesia, Australia boost anti-terrorism cooperation
Indonesia and Australia agreed to promote collaboration in fighting terrorism, particularly extremism in the Middle East, as well as in national security issues.
Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla says his nation's relationship with Australia has improved recently (Photo:AP)
Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Australian Justice Minister Michael Keenan agreed to promote collaboration in fighting terrorism, particularly extremisms in the Middle East, as well as in national security issues during their meeting in Jakarta on August 19.
The Indonesian Vice President said strong cooperation between the two countries will bring mutual benefits to the fight against terrorism and thoroughly prevent terrorism threats in each country.
He went on to say that many extreme groups are residing in Indonesia but the situation is under control.
Indonesia and Australia should implement practical activities and increase information exchange in a view to preventing terrorism threats effectively, he added.
For his part, Michael Keenan admitted that Canberra is also facing similar challenges like Indonesia and agreed that the fight against terrorism will only be successful if the two sides actively share experience.
Canberra readies to support Jakarta’s efforts in the fight, he said, adding that Australia hopes for a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia on cooperation in national security issues.
The two sides agreed to co-host a meeting of their law enforcement forces and national security agencies to discuss ways of blocking extremists’ financial sources in Sydney in November this year.-VNA
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