Indonesia's president 'humbled' as he addresses Australian Parliament

Linda Mottram, Canberra

Last Updated: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:04:00 +1100

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has delivered an historic address to Australia's Parliament.

It's only the fifth time a world leader has addressed the Australian Parliament in its 110 year history.

The President told MPs and Senators he's humbled by the honor, while praising the positive transformation of the bilateral relationship.

President Yudhoyono said the two countries' help for each other in times of trouble, like the 2004 Asian tsunami and last year's bushfires in the Australian state of Victoria exemplify the depth of ties.

He said old stereotypes on both sides still need to change, but he held the relationship up as an example for the world.

"I look forward to a day in the near future, the day when policy maker, academicians, journalists and other opinion leaders all over the world take a good look at the things we are doing so well together and they will say these two used to be worlds apart, but they now have a fair dinkum partnerhsip," he said.

Upgrade of relationship

In a show of strengthening ties both countries have decided to upgrade their relationship with annual meetings between the Prime Minister, the President and the Defence and Foreign Ministers.

Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono have agreed on a range of new ways to co-operate on issues including education, people smuggling and counter terrorism measures.

Mr Rudd says President Yudhoyono deserves much of the credit for transforming Indonesia into a vibrant democracy.

He says the relationship between the two nations will be a comprehensive strategic partnership.

"We've agreed that we will establish an Australia Indonesia dialogue to create greater people to people co-operation between our two countries as we also currently have with the United States."

People smuggling framework

The two leaders have also signed a new people smuggling framework, although few details have been released.

Through a Translator, President Yudhoyono, says they will be working together on the issue.

"We are committed to expand co-operation on law enforcement on the fight against terrorism on military to military co-operation and in fighting transnational crimes including people to people smuggling."