RI-Australia closer again

RI-Australia closer again

JAKARTA: Relations between the Indonesian and Australian
governments are improving, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan
Wirayuda said on Thursday.

The two countries have agreed to meet and discuss many
bilateral problems, Hassan said after meeting President Megawati
Soekarnoputri.

Hassan said that during his visit to Australia last week he
received a good reception despite all the strained relations.

"We emphasized that the sensitive issues between the two
countries can be discussed in a civil way and Prime Minister
Howard kept repeating that we could always sit and talk," Hassan
said, adding that Howard would visit Indonesia early next year.

The bilateral ties between the two neighbors have been
strained of late by the illegal immigrant issue.

"We made it clear that the issue should be solved with other
countries involved as well. Australia will support the plan to
hold a regional meeting on the illegal immigrant issue," Hassan
said.--JP