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Minister for Defence Marise Payne met with Indonesia’s Minister for Defence in Sydney on Thursday for the annual Indonesia-Australia Defence Minister’s meeting.
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Minister Payne and Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu discussed regional security dynamics, and the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) security frameworks to build regional trust, transparency and co-operation. The ministers also reinforced their support for the recently signed Joint Declaration on Maritime Cooperation.
During the bilateral meeting the Ministers discussed strengthening co-operation in defence science and technology.
"Science and technology co-operation has great potential to build the depth and resilience of our bilateral relationship and we agreed to greater co-operation and engagement," Minister Payne said.
The Department of Defence said it looks forward to welcoming Indonesia’s head of Defence Ministry Research and Development Agency, Dr Anne Kusmayati, to Australia in 2017.
Australia and Indonesia are co‑chairs of the next cycle of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on peacekeeping operations.
"This represents a great opportunity to strengthen regional peacekeeping efforts and build upon existing bilateral peacekeeping co-operation," Minister Payne said.
Minister Payne also invited Minister Ryamizard to Darwin in the near future to view the United States Force Posture Initiatives.
"The Force Posture Initiatives provide new opportunities for regional defence engagement, including with Indonesia, in order to build mutual trust and contribute to regional peace and security," she said.
