Australia - Indonesia

I am travelling to Bali tonight to sign the Australia – Indonesia Joint Understanding on a Code of Conduct tomorrow with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.

The Australian Government looks forward to resuming all cooperation with Indonesia on areas suspended in the wake of the Snowden allegations – intelligence, defence and border protection cooperation.

Australia's bilateral relationship with Indonesia is one of our most important foreign policy priorities.

This visit is also an opportunity for me to thank His Excellency, President Yudhoyono, for his outstanding contribution to our bilateral relationship.

President Yudhoyono has led Indonesia through a sustained period of political stability and economic growth. He has been a consistent supporter of close cooperation between our two countries, recognising the benefits to both our communities and to the region.

I will also thank President Yudhoyono for Indonesia's strong support in 2014 as a founding partner in our New Colombo Plan, enabling Australian students to undertake study and work experience in Indonesia.

Indonesia and Australia share a close and productive partnership that spans a wide range of political, economic, security, development and people-to-people links.