RI police, AFP to cement ties

RI police, AFP to cement ties

CANBERRA: Indonesian police and the Australia Federal Police (AFP) vowed on Wednesday to continue their cooperation to help eradicate terrorism in Southeast Asia.

AFP Chief Mick Keelty said on Wednesday that the Indonesian Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar was this week visiting Australia to meet with Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Minister of Justice Christopher Ellison to discuss further cooperation.

"The visit (by Dai Bachtiar) is important to lay out the cooperation framework between the two countries," he told reporters.

Da'i is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would include assistance on intelligence and forensic matters.

Indonesia and Australia began strengthening mutual antiterrorism cooperation after two powerful bombs ripped through two nightclubs in Bali last Oct. 12, killing at least 202 people, including some 90 Australians. --Antara