Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in defense and security during a meeting in London on Thursday.

"Building on our commitment to contribute to international peace and security, we agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in defense and security, including through a new 2+2 Foreign Defense dialogue, a closer partnership on cybersecurity, and continuing our cooperation on counter-terrorism, with the involvement of relevant stakeholders," a joint statement released after the meeting said.

Prabowo and Starmer also agreed to advance defense industrial partnership, including in the development of Indonesia's Merah Putih General Purpose Frigate Program.

In the coming years, the growing partnership is expected to further strengthen Indonesia's naval capabilities as well as the two countries' defense industries, thereby supporting high-value jobs and skills in both countries.

In terms of foreign policy, Indonesia and the UK pledged to reinforce cooperation at multilateral fora, including the UN, G20, and ASEAN, and reiterated their commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights.

While talking about the war in Ukraine, the two leaders underscored their commitment to uphold international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter to support just and sustainable peace.

They also expressed concern over the serious humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid, compliance with international humanitarian law, and de-escalation on all sides.

"We reaffirmed our commitment to a two-state solution, emphasizing that it remains the only viable long-term solution where an independent State of Palestine and Israel live side by side in peace and security," the joint statement said.

Indonesia and the UK also called for the de-escalation of conflict in Lebanon and pushed for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the violence in the Middle East.

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Translator: Yashinta Difa Pramudyani
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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