TEMPO.CO, Sydney- Indonesia and Australia mulled possible regional maritime cooperation through bilateral collaboration during a meeting between foreign and defense ministers (2+2 dialogue) in Sydney, Australia, on December 21.

“The 2+2 meeting between Indonesia-Australia will hopefully bring forth regional maritime cooperation,” said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. The dialogue was also attended by Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu as well as Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defense Minister Marise Payne.

Two-plus-two dialogue is a bilateral mechanism involving Foreign and Defense Ministers to discuss strategic issues bilaterally. The meeting was focused on strengthening maritime cooperation that is expected to enhance regional cooperation, such as in East Asia Summit.

The maritime cooperation wil be focusing to improve sustainable maritime development, maritime security, connectivity, technology cooperation and handling of transnational crimes, such as illegal, undocumented and unreported fishing.

The meeting also discussed maritime cooperation in IORA. As the chairman of IORA for 2015-2017, the ministers agreed to support Indonesia in promoting maritime cooperation in IORA, including through creating IORA concord.

Besides maritime issue, the 2+2 meeting also discussed various strategic issues, such as eradicating extremism and terrorism, regional security and stability that includes the South China Sea and irregular migrant.

NATALIA SANTI