TEMPO.CO, Bogor – Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that Indonesia plays an important role for Australia's interest. The two countries have agreed to establish a more intensive cooperation, particularly in economic sector.
"We have to cooperate more in economic sector," Rudd said after meeting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the Bogor Presidential Palace , West Java, Friday, July 5.
Rudd emphasized that Both Australia and Indonesia will gain benefit from beef trading. "It's good for Australian beef industry, it's good for Indonesian investors and good also for Indonesian consumers," he said.
He also addressed his concern on human smuggling to Australia. "This problem of people smuggling is a problem for our entire region, therefore the President's initiative is for all of us to work together, and I salute you Mr president, on your bold move," the Prime Minister stated.
In the meeting, Kevin Rudd also said that the Australian government fully recognize Indonesian's authority over Papua. "Australia wants to work with the government here in a way that could be helpful in making sure that we bring about a long-term, stable, prosperous and secure Papua that is a part of the Republic of Indonesia."
PRIHANDOKO