Stronger Ties in Science and Technology Discussed
Australian Minister for Defence Marise Payne met with her Indonesian counterpart Ryamizard Ryacudu in Sydney on 16 March, discussing regional security dynamics, including the importance of the ASEAN framework and expressing support for the recently signed Joint Declaration on Maritime Cooperation.
Also on the agenda was the issue of how to strengthen cooperation in defence science and technology. “Science and technology cooperation has great potential to build the depth and resilience of our bilateral relationship and we agreed to greater cooperation and engagement,” Payne stated.
Australia and Indonesia will co-chair the next cycle of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on peacekeeping operations.
Australia has also extended an invitation to Dr. Anne Kusmayati, head of Indonesia’s Defence Ministry Research and Development Agency, to visit this year.