Asia

Australia, Indonesia Agree on Defense Pact Seen as ‘Vital Plank’

The two nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties
Accord to bolster security cooperation, boost interoperability

Prabowo Subianto, left, with Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra on Aug. 20.Photographer: Mick Tsikas/AAP Image/AP Photos

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By Michael Heath

August 20, 2024 at 3:05 AM UTC

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he’s agreed on a new defense pact with Indonesia as both nations aim to bolster security ties in an increasingly contested Asia-Pacific region.

Speaking alongside Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto in Canberra on Tuesday, Albanese described the agreement to be signed in the coming days as a “vital plank” in the nations’ defense relationship.