Multi-dimensional strategy for ties with Indonesia

Towards this end,Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yodhoyono and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed to hold annual summits,including on the margins of multilateral events. President Yudhoyono and I have agreed to deepen our partnership in each of the five major dimensions of our relationship: political,security,economic,people-to-people and international issues, Singh said,addressing mediapersons along with the Indonesian President. Prime Minister Singh wrapped up his three-day tour to Brunei and Indonesia Friday by emphasizing the centrality of the ASEAN bloc of 10 countries in the East Asia Summit and lending a strategic construct to Indo-ASEAN relations.

India and Indonesia signed six memoranda of understanding in health,anti-corruption,combating illicit trafficking,disaster management,public policy cooperation and global affairs. Terming Indonesia as one of Indias most valued partners in its Look East policy,Singh said,We have many convergent interests and responsibilities in bilateral,regional and global forums. As maritime neighbours along one of the most critical sea links in the world,we also have shared interests in maritime security.

President Yudhoyono said the global economy faced new shocks. The challenges faced by India and Indonesia are similar this reality has given us a new spirit, he said after a day-long bilateral meeting which included a one-to-one meeting with Prime Minister Singh. Noting that Indonesia and India possess large population they are two of the four most populous nations in the world the President said food security was a critical area where the two would not only share research and technology and innovation efforts.

We will make joint investment to safeguard food price security. Market distortion in prices is unbelievable… We will work together in World Trade Organisation to ensure trade is more just, Yudhoyono said. He also underlined cooperation in facing terrorism.

Briefing mediapersons after the bilateral meeting,Ashok Kantha,Secretary East,Ministry of External Affairs,said there have been eight visits four in either direction during the last 10 years. The outcome document finalised adds further depth and content to the strategic partnership established in 2005, he said. The two countries will also soon produce a Vision 2025 document with the external affairs ministries conducting joint committee meetings every year against alternate years as was the norm hitherto.