SYDNEY: Australia and Indonesia have agreed on a new security treaty that commits them to consult each other if either country is threatened, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in Sydney on Wednesday with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto. Albanese, who accompanied Prabowo on a visit to an Australian naval base in the city, said the treaty was a major extension of previous security deals, and commits to regular security dialogue between leaders. “If either or both countries’ security is threatened, to consult and consider what measures may be taken either individually or jointly to deal with those threats,” he said.
Indonesia and Australia recognised that acting together was the best way to secure peace and stability in the region, he added. “Our determination is to maintain the best of relationships in order to enhance and guarantee security for both of our countries,” Prabowo said. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement the treaty was expected to be signed next year. — Reuters
