India seeks Indonesia's help in cementing ties with ASEAN

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday sought Indonesia's partnership in cementing India's ties with the ASEAN bloc.

In a meeting here with Indonasia's Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto, Rijiju said India recognised the former's country's key role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and appreciated its strong commitment to regional peace and security.

Pointing out that the two countries share a lot of similarities, democratic set-up and common cultural and social ties, Rijiju said: "India is eager to consolidate its partnership with the largest nation in southeast Asia to cement its ties with the ASEAN bloc."

Wiranto is in the national capital and leading an Indonasian delegation.

Both the leaders shared concerns on tackling fundamentalism, extremism and the threat posed by radicalisation and the Islamic State, an official statement said.

Recalling his visit to Bali for the International meeting on counter-terrorism in August 2016, Rijiju said he was very impressed with how Indonesia has effectively tackled the threat of the Islamic State on its soil.

Both expressed hope that the two countries can deepen cooperation on counter-terrorism matters. "The two sides also evinced interest in enhancing ties in intelligence-sharing and cyber security."

The ministers discussed various issues on security cooperation and assured mutual commitment to strengthen bilateral engagement in this regard, the statement added.

--IANS

rak/tsb