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Susilo, Howard discuss FTA and defense treaty |
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19:33, July 27, 2007 |
The leaders of Indonesia and Australia met in Bali Friday to assess possibility of establishing bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) and discuss efforts to strengthen defense cooperation.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the bilateral trade between Indonesia and Australia has increased by the average of 14 percent over the last four years.
Both leaders agreed to assign their respective officials to jointly conduct feasibility study on FTA. The study will commence in August and is expected to conclude in the mid of 2008.
"We have agreed to do a joint study about the feasibility of a free trade agreement between our two countries," said Australian Prime Minister John Howard.
On defense cooperation, Susilo said the two governments have signed the Lombok Treaty to give the legal basis for the well- established cooperation in the fight against terrorism, cross- border crimes and other security issues.
The Australian parliament has ratified the treaty but Indonesia hasn't.
"We already submitted the treaty to the House of Representatives for ratification," Susilo said at a joint press conference with Howard aired by Metro TV.
Source: Xinhua
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