Indonesian ambassador returns to Australia

Australia has confirmed that Indonesia's ambassador has returned to Canberra six months after he was called home during a diplomatic spat over spying allegations.

Indonesian ambassador Nadjib Riphat Kesoema's return marks a significant thawing in relations since he was recalled in November after media reported phone-tapping revelations from National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden that Australia had spied on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his wife and eight Indonesian ministers and officials in 2009.

A Foreign Ministry statement today confirmed that Kesoema had returned to the Australian capital. He could not be immediately contacted today for comment.