Jakarta (ANTARA) - The 2+2 meeting between Indonesia and Australia will strengthen bilateral partnership in strategic issues, including regional stability and global dynamics, Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono has stated.

"Bilaterally, this meeting is also to enhance our defence and foreign relations sectors, especially our contribution to nurturing peace and stability in the region," he said during the opening of the meeting, according his statement issued on Thursday.

The meeting brought together Sugiono and Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin with their Australian counterparts, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Richard Marles.

The four ministers discussed political, security, and defence cooperation, as well as geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East. They also agreed to follow up on talks between President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the annual leaders' meeting in Jakarta last May.

One of the key outcomes was the strengthening of maritime cooperation through the formation of the Indonesia-Australia Maritime Dialogue and initiatives under the Maritime Domain Awareness programme.

"As we are sharing maritime borders, Indonesia and Australia need to strengthen maritime cooperation a step further," Sugiono said.

The two countries also agreed to boost cooperation on conflict resolution and regional stability through the Indonesia-Australia Partnership for Peace and Stability.

The ministers further discussed developments in the Middle East, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They called for an immediate cessation of violence, an unconditional ceasefire, and for Israel to allow unlimited humanitarian aid into the enclave.

Sugiono also commended Australia's stance, noting its decision to announce the recognition of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly next month.

After the 2+2 meeting, Sugiono and Sjamsoeddin paid a courtesy call to Albanese, where they highlighted progress in bilateral ties.

"Indonesia-Australia relations are at an extraordinary point," Sugiono said, underscoring the shared interests between the two governments and the support of residents from both countries.

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