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Indonesia, Australia to strengthen military ties
Jakarta Post - October 28, 2016
Ryamizard said the meeting on Friday, which would take place in Bali, was expected to discuss regional and security issues, including the disputed South China Sea, where neither country was a claimant, as well as how to address terrorist threats. He noted that terrorism was an issue of common concern and an enemy that must be faced together.
"We'll talk about the South China Sea, we'll talk about terrorist threats. These are issues that we have to discuss together. We'll strengthen the good relationship we have [with Australia]. There are no other issues," Ryamizard said on Thursday, as quoted by Antara news agency.
He went on to say that the Australian Defense Minister, Marise Payne, had also invited him to visit military bases in Australia, such as a marine headquarters in Darwin, the Northern Territory. He noted that the move demonstrates the openness of each country's military.
Ryamizard further said he would discuss with Australia the issue of countries that had expressed support for an independent Papua, for them to not interfere.
Further in the meeting, the minister said he would not refuse if Australia suggested a joint military exercise to ward off regional and global security threats.
The meeting on Friday would be the fourth occasion involving the four ministers of both countries since it was first initiated in 2010.
Foreign Ministry officials had previously said the ministers were set to discuss the strengthening of cooperation on strategic security issues between the two countries, including possible collaboration in cybersecurity. (liz/dmr)
Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/10/28/indonesia-australia-to-strengthen-military-ties.html.
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