Australia and Indonesia sign agreement to tackle drug trafficking

Australia and Indonesia sign agreement to tackle drug trafficking

2011-03-17 22:01:57 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- Australia and Indonesia on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement to tackle transnational drug trafficking, the Antara news agency reported.

The MOU was signed between the Australian Federal Police and the Indonesia National Narcotics Board. The agreement was signed during the visit to Jakarta of Brendan O'Connor, Australian Minister for Home Affairs.

"This agreement complements existing arrangements between our two nations designed to help us crack down on transnational drug trafficking in our region," said O'Connor.

The new agreement will complement the existing MOU between the two nations signed in late 2008. The previous deal was reached to combat transnational crime and developing police cooperation.

"As one of our nearest neighbors, it is important that Australia has a close and productive relationship with Indonesia when it comes to law enforcement," added the Australian minister.

O'Connor added that the Australian Prime Minister Gillard fully supported the agreement between the two nations' law enforcemnet agencies as it benefits both sides.

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