Russia, Indonesia confirm plans on simplifying visa regulations

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. Russia and Indonesia have confirmed plans on mutual simplifying of visa regulations, the Russian Security Council’s press service informed, adding that Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and Minister-Coordinator of Indonesia for the Issues of Politics, Justice and Security Wiranto have discussed this issue during the security consultations held in Moscow. "The sides have had a substantive discussion of a wide set of issues, including in the sphere of politics and security," the message states. The officials discussed the ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the sphere of politics and security, including law enforcement, fight against terrorism and its chemical, biological and nuclear aspects, as well as terrorism financing and transnational organized crime. Patrushev and Wiranto also discussed legal aid, extradition, issues of international cyber security, creation of national crisis centers and centers of joint response to cyber incidents, as well as simplifying the visa application process. "[The officials] have confirmed the intention to sign Russian-Indonesian agreements on mutual legal help on criminal cases and extradition in the near future, as well as the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the sphere of international cybersecurity," the Russian Security Council noted. "The sides have also confirmed the intention to sign a bilateral agreement on simplifying the visa regime in the near future." Strengthening the role of the UN During the consultations, Patrushev and Wiranto have exchanged opinions on the key aspects of bilateral cooperation in the sphere of politics, regional and global security. "They noted the rise of international instability and uncertainty factors, the risk of conflict escalation in several regions, the resurgence of terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking, corruption, transnational organized crime and the use of information and communication technologies for criminal purposes," the Russian Security Council stressed. "In this regard, the parties called to strengthen the key role of the UN Security Council as the central institution responsible for the maintenance of global peace and security in accordance with the UN Charter." The Russian and Indonesian officials also expressed their concern in relation to the application of unilateral measures and restrictions against sovereign states in addition to the decisions of the UN Security Council. They stressed the importance of promoting the general principles of regional architecture, based on the principle of openness, transparency, inclusiveness, non-coercion, respect for the norms and values of the international law, and regulation of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, which would facilitate peaceful resolution of international and regional conflicts. "[The sides] have confirmed the principles of respect for sovereignty and non-interference into the affairs of other states," the press service added. "The sides have underlined the unacceptability of using terrorist and extremist groups, as well as counterterrorism measures to one’s political and geopolitical gain. They also highlighted the leading role of the states and its competent organs in preventing and counteracting terrorism and extremism at the national and international levels." The officials condemned terrorism in all its forms and expressions, confirming their support for the leading role of the UN in the international counterterrorism cooperation in strict accordance with the UN Charter, as well as other principles and norms of the international law. Patrushev and Wiranto called to create a global counterterrorism front with the aim of joint reaction to terrorist threats and full compliance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy. "The parties have condemned in the strongest possible terms the incitement to carry out acts of terrorism and any attempts to justify terrorist attacks," the message states. "They have called to deepen international cooperation in the fight against the spread of terrorism and its propaganda, including through the Internet." Read more