"We are glad our cooperation in the fields of economy, law, politics, security, as well as the people`s welfare, have all advanced significantly," President Yudhoyono said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and visiting Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott have expressed their optimism about future relations between the countries.

"We are glad our cooperation in the fields of economy, law, politics, security, as well as the people`s welfare, have all advanced significantly," President Yudhoyono said in a joint press statement following a meeting between the two countries` delegations.

He added that bilateral relations and cooperation between Indonesia and Australia are positive and continue to develop.

According to data from the Indonesian government, Australia is the ninth largest investor in the country, with its investment value having jumped some 700 percent from 2011 to 2012, and now totals US$10 billion.

Prime Minister Abbott, meanwhile, said, "I know Indonesia`s future is bright and I also know Indonesia`s economy will be larger than Australia`s. But for the next several years, we have a lot that we can offer to Indonesia based upon the spirit of partnership and friendship," he said, while urging increased cooperation in food security and agriculture.

He said a number of Australian businessmen have already expressed their interest in developing wider partnerships with Indonesia in the fields of trade and investment.

Further, the Australian prime minister expressed his appreciation for Indonesia`s development in the past six decades, including the country`s success in transforming itself from a military government to a democratic state.

President Yudhoyono also said the two countries had agreed to link economic discussions at the upcoming APEC summit meeting scheduled next month in Bali with the G20 Economic Summit to be held in Australia later in 2014.

"I agreed with the Australian prime minister to link the discussions in Bali this year with what would be discussed later in Australia, so that all economies in the world could collaborate and no policy from any country could cause problems to other countries," he said.

President Yudhoyono added that APEC and the G20 had to coordinate actions and consultations since, although each country has its own internal responsibilities, regional and international cooperation are needed because these interests have become integrated.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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