India, Indonesia to enhance bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism

New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): Recognizing the common threats to national security from transnational crimes, including international terrorism, India and Indonesia on Tuesday resolved to significantly enhance bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism.

In a joint statement, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there could be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism.

The two leaders resolved to commit their countries in improving sharing of intelligence, the development of more effective counter terrorism policies, enhance liaison between law enforcement agencies.

They also committed to provide assistance in the areas of border and immigration control to stem the flow of terrorist related material, money and people and specific measures against transnational crimes, including international terrorism through the already existing mechanism between Indonesia and India.

The two leaders desired that the next meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism should be held in the first half of 2011.

The two leaders also reaffirmed the political commitment of both countries for upgrading bilateral relations in order to achieve sustained progress and prosperity for the two countries in the rapidly evolving and dynamic regional and global political and economic situation.

They were also welcomed the entry into force of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in Goods on October 1, 2010, and expected the utilization of the Agreement would increase in the following years.

Both leaders were pleased to announce the commencement of negotiation on Indonesia - India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (II-CECA), building on what has already been achieved under the India-ASEAN FTA.

The decision to embark on negotiations will take forward the shared goal in the New Strategic Partnership 2005 of increasing the volume of bilateral trade and investment. (ANI)