Sydney. Australia and Indonesia agreed to sign a new security treaty on Wednesday. The treaty provides for strengthening military cooperation between the two countries. The two leaders gave this information after the high-level talks held in Sydney.

Australia has been expanding its defence capabilities to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region and deepening ties with traditional ally the United States. Indonesia, on the other hand, has maintained a relatively neutral stance, seeking balanced relations with Beijing.

At a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Royal Australian Navy Base in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “substantial progress has been made on new bilateral treaties aimed at strengthening our shared security”. This treaty is a symbol of our belief that working together is the best way to ensure peace and stability. ’

Prime Minister Albanese said he hoped to visit Indonesia next year and formally sign the treaty. He said the new pact builds on the bilateral defence pact signed in 2024 and will deepen cooperation between the two countries in the disputed Asia-Pacific region.

According to the treaty, Australia and Indonesia will hold regular prime ministerial and ministerial consultations on security matters. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss and coordinate measures that can be taken, individually or jointly, when the security of one or both countries is threatened.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said the agreement was an important step towards promoting closer cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence and security. “We can’t pick neighbors, but good neighbors should support each other in difficult times,” he said. This spirit is at the core of this treaty. ’

The new security treaty is believed to be a pillar of mutual interest and regional stability for both countries.