Security to space: India, Indonesia say aye to all

India and Indonesia have agreed to forge greater cooperation on jointly fighting the menace of international terrorism. In fact, both countries decided to expedite the establishment of a legal framework for dealing with security issues including the finalisation of an extradition treaty.

Terming both countries as being victims of terrorism, Indonesian Foreign Minister N. Hassan Wirajuda said there was need for the two to intensify cooperation in this area. Further, Indonesia — which is now the Chairman of ASEAN — informed the Indian delegation led by External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha that India and ASEAN will sign a joint declaration on international terrorism. Indonesia also welcomed India’s decision to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia.

This apart, South Block officials said, there were detailed deliberations at the first India-Indonesia Joint Commission meeting on Monday, which focussed largely on expanding trade and economic relations. The Indian delegation, is said to have conveyed New Delhi’s ‘‘special interest’’ in Indonesia’s energy sector.

Sinha called on Vice-President Hamza Haz in Jakarta. His visit comes ahead of the second India-ASEAN Summit at Bali to be attended by PM A.B. Vajpayee next month. Indonesia also showed interest in cooperating with India in the launch of micro-satellites. Scientists from the two countries will meet to draw up a plan, said an MEA spokesperson.