Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Photo: theaustralian.com.au)Sydney (VNA) – Australian and Indonesian leaders agreed not to let a recentmilitary row affect bilateral relations over a phone conversation on January 5.
Ina statement after their talk, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull saidhe and Indonesian President Joko Widodo are committed to cementing the tiesbased on mutual benefits and respect.
Henoted that he acknowledges President Widodo’s commitment to the strategicpartnership between the two countries and values their personal friendship.
Forhis part, Joko Widodo affirmed that relations with Australia are in goodcondition.
Hesaid his defence minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and military chief Gatot Nurmantyohave been in charge of working with the Australian side to tackle the issue.
InNovember last year, a rift was provoked between the two countries after anIndonesian military officer who attended a training class in the Australiancity of Perth found its teaching materials offensive to the Indonesian armedforces and people.
OnJanuary 4, Indonesia announced it had suspended defence cooperation withAustralia. However, in a statement issued the following day, CoordinatingMinister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto said Indonesia willonly suspend military cooperation with Australia in language classes atAustralia’s Special Forces facilities.-VNA
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