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