Visiting Australian Prime Minister Mr John Howard today expressed support for Indonesia's territorial integrity in the face of growing separatist unrest at opposite ends of the huge archipelago.
"The prime minister reaffirmed Australia's support for Indonesia's territorial integrity and unity, noting that Australia's national interests are closely linked to Indonesia's security and prosperity," said a joint communique issued after 40 minutes of talks with new President Ms Megawati Sukarnoputri.
The two leaders committed themselves to dialogue and respect for human rights in tackling spearatist challenges in westernmost Aceh and easternmost Irian Jaya.
Mr Howard, the first world leader to meet Ms Megawati since her appointment on July 23rd, said after the talks at the Merdeka Palace they were committed to a "strong, positive and realistic relationship between the two nations for the future".
"It is important that the governments of Indonesia and Australia have a strong and positive relationship and I believe what has occurred in the last 24 hours has laid a very firm basis for that to occur," he told journalists.
On the issue of East Timor, a former Indonesian province now under UN administration after voting for independence in August 1999, the two leaders noted the importance of establishing good relations between East Timor and its neighbouring countries including Australia and Indonesia.
Australia was ready to assist the resettlement and repatriation of East Timorese refugees still sheltering in neighbouring West Timor, Mr Howard said in the communique.
AFP