President Prabowo, PM Albanese Sign Joint Security Treaty to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister of Australia sign a Joint Security Treaty at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Friday (02/06).

President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese affirmed their joint commitment to continue strengthening the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Australia through the signing of the Joint Security Treaty.

This joint commitment was conveyed by President Prabowo during the Joint Press Statement at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (02/06).

“This joint security treaty reflects the commitment of both countries to continue working closely in safeguarding each other’s national security, as well as making real contributions to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. For Indonesia, this reflects a firm commitment to the principle of ‘good neighbor’ and our free and active foreign policy,” said President Prabowo.

According to President Prabowo, the geographical position of Indonesia and Australia makes these two countries destined to live side by side. Therefore, bilateral relations between the two countries are built on the basis of mutual trust and good faith.

“Indonesia wants to be friends with all parties and we do not want to have any enemies. For that reason, we believe that this agreement will become one of the important pillars for stability and cooperation in the region,” he continued.

Meanwhile, PM Albanese stated that the signing of this agreement is a continuation of a long process that has begun since the bilateral meeting in Sydney last November. The agreement, according to Albanese, is built on the historical foundation of defense cooperation that has lasted for three decades.

“This agreement reflects the close friendship, partnership, and deep trust between our two countries under our comprehensive strategic partnership,” said PM Albanese.

“Today I am very pleased to sign this agreement with Mr. President, a historic moment in the relations of our countries and recognition that the best way to secure peace and stability in our region is by acting together,” he added.

Furthermore, PM Albanese said that this agreement shows the strength and depth of trust between Australia and Indonesia. The agreement is seen as a significant expansion of the security and defense cooperation that has already been established.

A series of new defense cooperation initiatives, according to Albanese, reflect growing trust and increasing strategic ambitions. These include an offer to establish a new position for a senior Indonesian officer in the Australian Defense Force.

“Supporting the development of joint defense training facilities to enhance Indonesia’s capacity to conduct joint exercises with partners, including Australia. And expanding military education exchanges between our militaries to build relationships and enhance understanding between generation of our military leaders,” said PM Albanese. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (EST/LW)