RI, Australia Agree to Solve Bilateral Issues

Batam, Riau Islands, June 4 (Antara) - Indonesia and Australia have agreed to solve various problems, which have disrupted good relations between the two neighboring countries.

"We have agreed to settle disrupting issues and to seek new areas of cooperation in the interests of Indonesia and Australia," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said at a press conference, following a bilateral meeting between the two countries here on Wednesday.

Yudhoyono said his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott proceeded in a productive and constructive manner, with both sides determined to maintain and enhance partnership and cooperation to achieve a better future.

He underscored the importance of partnership, which was based on the principles of mutual benefit and respect, as relations between the two countries were growing.

"It is normal that an issue sometimes mars our bilateral relations. Our spirit is to find the best possible solution to address it," he said.

The President said one of the crucial issues to be solved is the spying allegation of 2013. Indonesia through Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa has proposed a code of conduct, which is expected to be completed soon.

Meanwhile, Tony Abbott said both Indonesia and Australia are partners that trust each other and the level of trust has been growing for a long time.

He said intelligence and security cooperation is important to maintain peace in the two countries and reiterated Australia's support of the territorial integrity of Indonesia.  (s012/INE/B003)

Reporting by Muhammad Razi Rahman

Edited By Ine