Defence Minister describes building warm relationship with Australia
Jakarta — Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has described how he has built a harmonious relationship with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, emphasising that the strength of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia stems from personal connections between officials.
“One fundamental reality is that state-to-state relations depend greatly upon personal-to-personal relations within countries and institutions. We continue to develop these personal-to-personal relations,” Sjafrie stated after receiving Richard at the Defence Ministry headquarters in central Jakarta on Thursday.
Sjafrie recounted that today’s meeting opened with discussions on how he manages national defence as Defence Minister. “I explained how I, as Defence Minister, manage national defence policy for the country. I also discussed how we are tracking global developments that also have an impact on Indonesia,” he said.
The warm conversation between Sjafrie and Richard created opportunities for Indonesia to develop strategic cooperation with Australia. Several defence collaboration initiatives were discussed, including joint military exercises and the development of a military training facility in Morotai, North Maluku.
“The discussion even expanded into a trilateral consideration involving Indonesia, Australia, and Japan in defence and professionalism,” Sjafrie noted.
Beyond face-to-face meetings, Sjafrie acknowledged that he frequently discusses international developments with Richard through telephone conversations. It is this personal warmth, he explained, that strengthens the bonds of friendship between Indonesia and Australia.
“I enjoy talking with Mr Richard Marles about developments, and this is what influences state-to-state relations,” Sjafrie clarified.
Sjafrie stressed that the cooperation discussed in today’s meeting would have positive implications for Indonesia’s defence and regional security stability. Through this collaboration, bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia are expected to continue flourishing.