MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
The Hon. Stephen Smith MP
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Senator the Hon. Bob Carr
The Indonesian and Australian Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers held the second Annual 2+2 Dialogue on 3 April 2013. They had a wide-ranging exchange of views on regional and global issues of common concern.
Prior to the Dialogue, ministers met with their respective counterparts to discuss a number of bilateral issues, among others defence engagement, counter terrorism, consular cooperation and the Indonesia-Australia Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), promoting deeper mutual cooperation in keeping with the comprehensive and strategic partnership between Indonesia and Australia.
The Australian Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers also paid a courtesy call to the President of the Republic of Indonesia.
On regional issues, the ministers discussed the common approaches Indonesia and Australia are taking in seeking to shape current regional developments. They reaffirmed ASEAN's centrality to advancing regional peace, stability and prosperity and acknowledged the value and importance of sustained leadership of Indonesia.
They reiterated their shared commitment to the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus as the multilateral forums best equipped to address regional political, economic and security challenges in the region. Both countries recommitted to speed up the implementation of their joint EAS initiative on disaster relief.
Both countries underscored the importance of resolving territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea peacefully in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. They emphasized the importance of the comprehensive implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), the Guidelines for the Implementation of the DOC, as well as ASEAN's commitment to the Six-Point Principles. They encouraged progress towards a Code of Conduct ahead of the ASEAN Summit in Brunei this year.
They reaffirmed their continued support for the Myanmar Government's efforts to take forward the progressive reforms and democratisation process and to promote reconciliation amongst all ethnic and minority groups.
They expressed deep concern over North Korea's deplorable actions, including its recent nuclear test, and called for North Korea to comply fully with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
As co-chairs of the Bali Process, Indonesia and Australia have committed to enhancing our cooperation against people smuggling and trafficking in persons.
They are committed to developing cooperation on Indian Ocean security issues, especially under the framework of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) and to add value to international anti-piracy efforts conducted by other regional and global organisations.
They had an exchange of views on global issues, among others Middle East and the UN Security Council. With Australia assuming its seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2013-2014, we welcomed the opportunities this brings to highlight an Asia-Pacific perspective on global challenges.
Indonesia welcomed Australia's commitment to deepening regional engagement as outlined in the Asian Century White Paper and the National Security Strategy.
They look forward to the next 2+2 talks scheduled to be held in Australia in 2014.
Media contacts:
Minister Smith's Office: Sacha Fenton 0467 784 528
Minister Carr's Office: 0435 658 623
