RI, AUSSIE AGREE TO ENHANCE COOPERATION IN FOUR FIELDS

Canberra, March 10 (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Australia agreed on Wednesday to enhance cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, people's welfare and the environment.

"During our visit this time we have agreed to cooperate in four areas, namely politics, law and security covering law enforcement, combating terrorism, military cooperation and fighting transnational crimes such as people smuggling," visiting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd following their bilateral meeting here.

The other area of cooperation the two countries would step up was the economy to cover investment, trade, food, agriculture and energy, Yudhoyono said.

Both countries also agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of people's welfare to cover educational, health, tourism, youth and sport affairs, he said.

"This is important to enhance cooperation between the peoples of the two countries," he said.

The two neighboring nations were also determined to intensify cooperation in the environmental field, including forest management and natural disaster mitigation they had agreed upon, he said.

The president said his visit, along with six governors of eastern Indonesian provinces was aimed at ensuring that cooperation between Australia and the six regions would run in a more concrete way.

"The existing close partnership should not stop and must be stepped up further. We must look for new chances to manage a wide range of issues faced by the two countries," he said.

Prime Minister Rudd meanwhile said relations between the two neighboring nations in many fields had run well and must be stepped up for the benefit of the two peoples' welfare.

Rudd praised the Indonesian leader for his success in promoting democracy in Indonesia, and creating peaceful co-existence among adherents of different faiths in the country.