Defence Minister Visits Indonesia

Defence Minister Visits Indonesia

Defence Minister Robert Hill will meet with Defence Minister, Dr Juwono Sudarsono, during a two-day visit to Jakarta to strengthen ties in the defence relationship between the to countries.

Senator Hill said Australia and Indonesia share many security concerns, including the threat posed by international terrorism and transnational crime.

"The visit provides an important opportunity for me to meet members of the new administration and consolidate progress in our bilateral defence relationship," Senator Hill said.

"Senator Hill's discussions with key Indonesian officials will focus on areas of shared strategic interest and build on the cooperation already established between Australian and Indonesian Defence forces in professional training, service to service engagement and strategic-level dialogue.

In addition to meeting with the Defence Minister, Senator Hill is meeting with the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Dr Nur Hassan Wirajuda and Chief of Armed Forces, General Endriartono Sutarto.

Prior to his departure from Jakarta, Senator Hill will attend a commemorative ceremony marking 100 days since the September 9 bombing outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.

An inter-faith service will be held on Embassy grounds. In addition to Australian Embassy staff, guests will include Indonesian hospital and police personnel, those injured in the blast, and the family members of those killed in the terrorist attack.

Senator Hill is accompanied on his visit to Jakarta by Secretary of Defence, Ric Smith, and Vice Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Russ Shalders.

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