SIXTH INDONESIA-AUSTRALIA MINISTERIAL FORUM AND FOURTH AUSTRALIA-INDONESIA DEVELOPMENT AREA MINSTERIAL MEETING JAKARTA, INDONESIA, 11 MARCH 2003

JOINT MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

1.        The sixth meeting of the Australia-Indonesia Ministerial Forum and the fourth Ministerial meeting of the Australia-Indonesia Development Area (AIDA) were held in Jakarta on 11 March 2003. The Indonesian delegation was led by HE Prof Dr Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs. The Australian delegation was led by the Hon. Alexander Downer MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Indonesian and Australian delegations are at Annex A.

2.        Ministers on both sides welcomed the holding of the Forum as an important symbol of the enduring commitment of both countries to maintaining positive, realistic and mutually beneficial neighbourly relations. Ministers embraced the opportunity to set a dynamic forward-looking program to ensure that the current links between both countries remained invigorated and strong. Ministers underscored the valuable role played by the Ministerial Forum in providing a regular mechanism for reviewing progress.

3.        Ministers acknowledged that the Forum was being held at an important time. The Bali bomb attack had underscored that Australia and Indonesia's prosperity, security and stability were linked - as neighbours, they must support each other. Both countries placed a high priority on working closely together to combat terrorism. Australian Ministers expressed their appreciation for Indonesia's efforts to combat terrorism and to counter people smuggling. Australia expressed its commitment to assist Indonesia as it addresses social and economic challenges. Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its political, social and economic reforms.

4.        Ministers welcomed the comprehensive nature of links between Australia and Indonesia encompassing all areas of mutual interest, notably security issues, transnational crime (including terrorism), economic issues, development assistance, immigration, education, cultural ties and people-to-people links. Ministers underscored the valuable role played by the Ministerial Forum in providing a regular mechanism for reviewing progress.

OVERVIEW OF POLITICAL AND STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS

Terrorism

5.        Ministers condemned in the strongest terms terrorism in all its forms as contravening the laws, religious beliefs and fundamental values of our two countries. Ministers particularly condemned the brutal terrorist attacks in Bali on 12 October 2002, which took the lives of so many innocent civilians, including a large number of Australians and Indonesians. They extended their deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families. Ministers welcomed the excellent cooperation between Indonesian and Australian police, intelligence and security agencies in investigating the Bali bombings. Ministers recognised that both countries had a strong common interest in ensuring that the perpetrators of the Bali attacks were brought to justice quickly.

6.        Ministers acknowledged that terrorism posed a serious threat to the region's peace, security and economic prosperity. They recognised that the transnational nature of the problem called for a comprehensive approach that embraced action on many fronts - political, legal, economic, diplomatic - as well as close cooperation in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora. Ministers expressed a strong commitment to enhanced bilateral cooperation across a range of areas, within the framework of the recently extended Australia-Indonesia MOU on Combating International Terrorism, including information and intelligence sharing, law enforcement, money laundering and terrorist financing, cooperation on border control systems, and aviation security. Indonesian Ministers appreciated the proposed technical assistance from Australia to strengthen security at Jakarta and Denpasar international airports. Australian Ministers reiterated the commitment of the Australian Government to supporting the development of Indonesia's capacity to fight terrorism and noted the Prime Minister's recent announcement of $10 million to assist in this. Foreign Ministers signed a joint statement on counter-terrorism as a signal of their intentions to maintain their cooperative efforts against terrorism.

7.        Ministers noted the valuable role that regional organisations such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), APEC and the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) played in developing and promoting measures to combat terrorism in the region. They committed their respective countries to strengthened cooperation in these and other multilateral fora, including the United Nations, to support efforts to disrupt and eliminate terrorism and restore economic confidence in the region.

Conference on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

8.        Ministers commended their recent co-hosting of the Conference on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing as an excellent example of bilateral cooperation in combating this crime. The Co-Chairs report from the Conference is designed to inform future international and regional work on these issues.

Travel Advisory

9.        Indonesian Ministers requested the Australian Government to reconsider its travel advisory on Indonesia. Australian Ministers noted that Australian travel advisories remain tinder constant review.

Papua and Aceh

10.        Australian Ministers supported special autonomy in Papua and Aceh as the best way of meeting the needs of local communities within the context of a united and stable Indonesia. Indonesian Ministers appreciated Australia's commitment to contribute financial assistance to supporting the Aceh international ceasefire monitoring group.

11.        Australian Ministers reiterated the strong statement of support for Indonesia's territorial integrity made by Prime Minister Howard, including during his recent meeting with President Megawati. Ministers noted the Australian Government has instituted a code of conduct for NGOs in Indonesia that prevent funding of organizations that operate contrary to the laws and policies of Australia and Indonesia. Australian Ministers agreed to investigate any evidence of proindependence activities by NGOs that it funds in Indonesia. Indonesia undertook to provide information on any such claims. Australian Ministers agreed to take necessary measures to allay doubts over its principled positions of supporting the territorial integrity of Indonesia and its sovereignty over Papua.

People Smuggling and Trafficking

12.        Ministers agreed that illegal migration posed a threat to national security and prosperity. Ministers agreed that efforts to work cooperatively at the bilateral, regional and international levels to combat people smuggling and illegal immigration should remain a priority for both governments. Ministers affirmed support for an international response requiring close cooperation within and between regions. Indonesian Ministers welcomed the placement of Australian Airline Liaison Officers in Jakarta and Denpasar international airports to assist Indonesian immigration authorities. Ministers acknowledged the outcomes achieved at the first Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, held in Bali from 2628 February 2002 and co-chaired by Australia and Indonesia. The two Ad Hoc Experts' Groups established at that Conference had received support from across the region and were working on practical measures to improve information exchange, legislation and law enforcement issues.

13.        Ministers noted that Australia and Indonesia were once again cooperating very closely in the preparation of their co-chairmanship of the second Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, to be held in Bali from 29-30 April 2003. The Conference would review the work of the Experts' Groups, other regional developments in combating people smuggling and trafficking, and would set a framework for the continuation of the work started at Bali last year.

14.        Ministers noted that a Working Group on Immigration Cooperation comprising senior officials from the Indonesian Directorate-General of Immigration and DIMIA was established in September 2001. It is the principal mechanism for formal engagement between the two Government agencies to deal with immigration issues including people smuggling and immigration. Ministers formally endorsed the efforts of the Working Group as a means of further enhancing mutual cooperation, increasing technical capacities, combating people smuggling and assisting in advancing regional security. Ministers also endorsed the Working Group's continued existence as the principal mechanism for engagement. In a related development, Ministers also endorsed the bilateral Customs MOU on mutual administrative assistance aimed at the better enforcement of customs laws.

Iraq

15.        Ministers appreciated the opportunity to exchange views on the Iraqi crisis. Ministers noted the key role under the UN Charter of the UN Security Council in ensuring international peace and security, including preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. They called on Iraq to comply fully and immediately with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Korean Peninsula

16.        Ministers expressed serious concern at the threat to regional and global security posed by the DPRK's nuclear program. Ministers noted that both Indonesia and Australia had sent envoys to the DPRK to raise these concerns and to urge a peaceful resolution to the issue through diplomatic means. Ministers agreed that the DPRK's announced withdrawal from the NPT was a matter of grave concern and urged the DPRK to reconsider its decision. Ministers called on all countries to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Noting the key role of the ASEAN Regional Forum in promoting regional security, Ministers explored the possibility of convening officials-level discussions on developments in the Korean Peninsula at an early opportunity.


Disarmament

17.        Ministers agreed that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) remained essential to international efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, advance nuclear disarmament and facilitate access to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Ministers agreed that global application of the Additional Protocol on strengthened IAEA safeguards would reinforce the non-proliferation regime and contribute to a climate conducive to further progress on nuclear disarmament. They called upon all states yet to conclude an Additional Protocol to do so as quickly as possible. Ministers emphasised the importance of strengthening international protection against nuclear terrorism, including the need for effective controls over radioactive materials.

ASEAN Regional Forum and Regional Security

18.        Ministers emphasized the importance of multilateral security dialogues, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), in promoting regional security. They welcomed the ARF's continuing work against international terrorism, and looked forward to the first meeting of the ARF InterSessional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime to be held in Sabah, Malaysia, later in March 2003.


South-West Pacific Dialogue and Trilateral Ministerial Meeting

19.        Ministers expressed satisfaction with the inaugural ministerial meeting in October 2002 of the South West Pacific Dialogue, grouping Australia, Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and New Zealand. Ministers underlined the value of the Dialogue in promoting understanding and cooperation on sub-regional issues of common concern. Ministers welcomed Indonesia's offer to host a cultural exchange program under the South West Pacific Dialogue.

20.        Ministers welcomed outcomes of the first Trilateral Ministerial Meeting of Australia, Indonesia and East Timor hosted by Indonesia in February 2002. The trilateral process recognises the extent of intersecting interests and the importance of open dialogue and confidence-building among the three neighbouring states.


OVERVIEW OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS, TRADE AND INVESTMENT ISSUES

Reform and trade liberalisation

21.        Ministers recognised that ongoing reform was essential for countries to reap the benefits and meet the challenges of globalisation. Ministers recognised that the reforms that insulated Australia from the 1997 economic crisis continued to serve Australia well, with solid growth expected in 2003. They also noted Australia's commitment to implement further economic reform to ensure its international competitiveness.

22.        Ministers underscored their commitment to trade liberalisation, noting the significant benefits it had brought to both their countries. Ministers reaffirmed commitment to lower tariffs and other barriers to trade so that Indonesia and Australian exporters and consumers continued to receive liberalisation gains. Ministers welcomed the ongoing significant technical assistance that Australia provided to build Indonesia's trade policy and trade negotiation capacity.

23.        Ministers welcomed the significant progress Indonesia had made in its macro-economic reform program in cooperation with the IMF and agreed that further extensive economic reform was necessary to restore investor confidence and achieve the strong growth that would underpin political and social stability. Indonesian Ministers noted that an extensive reform program lay ahead which would focus on decentralisation, legal and judicial reform and labour market policy Ministers noted that debt issues would also need to be managed carefully.

24.        Ministers stressed the importance of continuing strong international support for Indonesia's reform program. They welcomed the positive outcomes of the 12th meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) in Bali on 21-22 January 2003, noting the significant support for Indonesia's program of economic reform and democratisation. Indonesian Ministers thanked Australia for supporting Indonesia's economic recovery, including through its development cooperation program of A$121.6 million for 2002-03. Through this program, Indonesia and Australia will work together,to implement Indonesia's economic reform program, enhance security and stability and reduce poverty, including through improving basic social services such as education and health. Indonesian Ministers reiterated their request to the Australian Government to consider a debt swap program. Australian Ministers noted that Australia provides debt rescheduling through Paris Club processes in the context of an IMF program and does not have a policy of undertaking debt swaps.

Bilateral Economic Relations

25.        Ministers noted the important role played by Australian and Indonesian business communities in sustaining a vibrant bilateral economic and commercial relationship. Despite the global economic slowdown, bilateral trade reached its highest point ever in 2002 at A$7.3 billion. Indonesian exports to Australia reached record levels at A$4.2 billion. Indonesia was now Australia's 10` largest export market and Australia was Indonesia's twelfth largest. Ministers welcomed the key services trade component in the bilateral relationship. In financial year 2001-02, two-way services trade totalled over A$1.59 billion, an increase of eight percent from 2000-01.

26.        Ministers underscored the vital role governments play in ensuring an appropriate setting for the development of strong commercial relations, including a conducive investment climate. Ministers welcomed the success of the Australian Trade Minister's High Level Investment Mission to Indonesia in 2001, noting that five Australian companies have since announced major investments in Indonesia. Indonesia is Australia's 12`h largest investment market and Indonesia is the 21" largest investor in Australia. Ministers welcomed the Trade Ministers' meetings in 2001 and 2002, noting that annual meetings between the two Ministers were a key vehicle in addressing business concerns.

WTO

27.        Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining an open, non-discriminatory, rulesbased world trading system. Stressing the important contribution successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda negotiations would make to economic growth and development in the Asia Pacific region, Ministers renewed their commitment to concluding the negotiations by 1 January 2005. Ministers endorsed the call by APEC Leaders for all WTO members to intensify their efforts to keep the negotiations on track, noting that political leadership would be essential to resolve outstanding differences during the lead-up to the fifth Ministerial Conference in Cancun in September 2003 and beyond. In this regard, Ministers noted that the Cairns Group continues to play a leading role in realising the mandate on agricultural trade reform agreed by Ministers in Doha in November 2001.

28.        Recognising the central place of development issues in the Doha Development Agenda, Ministers noted the need for technical assistance and capacity building to help developing countries participate effectively in the negotiations and implement WTO agreements. They emphasised the importance of progress on issues of particular concern to developing countries - including implementation, special and differential treatment and access to medicines. In that context they noted the special importance of real market access gains to the development prospects of developing countries and reaffirmed their shared commitment to long-term reform of world agricultural trade. taking into account the interest of developing countries.

APEC

29.        Ministers emphasised that Indonesia and Australia were looking for APEC to make a strong political contribution to the WTO Doha Round and to continue its work on counter-terrorism in 2003. Ministers noted that Australia remains committed to the Bogor goals and that Indonesia was also making good progress towards achieving those goals by 2020. Ministers noted that APEC's Workshop on Trade and Environment, seminars on Geographical Indications and intensive training in customs law were significant contributions to the enhancement of APEC members' capacity in the WTO Doha negotiations. Ministers welcomed the APEC Counter-Terrorism Action Plan and the establishment of the APEC Counter-Terrorism Taskforce.

AFTA-CER

30.        Ministers welcomed the signing of the Ministerial Declaration on the AFTA-CER Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) at the 7`s annual consultations between ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and Ministers from Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER), held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, on 14 September 2002. Ministers noted that agreement had been reached at the same time to set a target for doubling ASEAN-CER trade and investment by 2010, and said they expected officials and the AFTA-CER Business Council to collaborate in efforts to achieve this target.

AUSTRALIA-INDONESIA DEVELOPMENT AREA (AIDA)

31.        Ministers agreed that AIDA continued to provide a useful framework for private sector activity. They agreed to address governance impediments to investment while recognising that further development within the AIDA region rested principally with the private sector of both countries. Ministers welcomed Australia's announcement that it would provide a four year A$4 million contribution to the International Finance Corporations' eastern Indonesia Enterprise Development Facility. The project is aimed at improving SMEs access to capital, the investment regulatory environment and SMEs business performance and it should be relevant with and supportive to the strategic policy of the Ministry of Eastern Indonesia Development, and Ministry of Cooperative and SMEs.


WORKING GROUP REPORTS

Working Group on Trade, Industry and Investment

32.        Ministers noted that two-way merchandise trade had reached its highest point ever in 2002, at A$7.3 billion. Indonesian exports to Australia were valued at A$4.2 billion and Australian exports were worth A$3.1 billion. Ministers agreed to re-double the efforts of both countries, including through addressing market access issues, to further increase two-way trade. Ministers also noted that cooperation between Australian and Indonesian customs agencies had the potential to further facilitate bilateral trade.

33.        Ministers welcomed advice on Indonesia's strategy to attract foreign investment, including amendments to Indonesia's forestry law and its 2003 Year of Investment, as a key component of its economic recovery program. Ministers noted the continuing commitment of Australian companies to Indonesia's business sector, including through new investment announced during Mr Vaile's High Level Investment Mission to Indonesia in February 2001, and Minister Soewandi's visit to Australia in November 2002. Ministers also noted progress in industrial and trade cooperation in the automotive sector and agreed to consider cooperation in other sectors, including information technology and food production. Ministers welcomed Australia's continuing commitment to building Indonesia's capacity in trade policy development and small and medium enterprises
(SMEs).

Working Group on the Environment

34.        Ministers welcomed the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding between Environment Business Australia and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (KADIN) for business cooperation, and the joint development of a strategy to improve Indonesia's environmental management in the mining sector. Minister's welcomed a new project to build Indonesian capacity in oceans management funded by AusAID's Government Sector Linkages Program.

Working Group on Education and Training
35.        Ministers welcomed the renewal of a bilateral MOU on Cooperation in Education and Training for a further period of three years at the Education and Training Working Group meeting on 10 March 2003. Ministers also welcomed the announcement that two Indonesian students had been awarded scholarships to study at Australian universities under the Australia-Asia Award Scheme. Ministers noted the active links between Australia and Indonesia to develop distance education, especially through the South-Fast Asian Ministers' Centre for Open Learning. Ministers also noted that officials had agreed to work cooperatively to facilitate mutual recognition issues over the next few years as a priority area of activity.

Working Group on Health Cooperation

36.       Ministers were pleased to note that a number of joint health activities have taken place since the last AIMF. In particular, Ministers recognised three successful GSLP projects under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Health Cooperation: Capacity Building (health promotion) in a Decentralised System, Cooperation on Therapeutic Goods Regulation, and Joint Management Capacity Building. Ministers also noted that a joint project to collaborate on the regulation of medicines and medical devices will begin in 2003 and welcomed further joint health projects between Australia and Indonesia in the future.

37.        Ministers noted the development of a Plan of Action for the next three years under the MOU on Health Cooperation, as an ongoing framework for cooperative activities. It was agreed to consider broadening the area of cooperation and information exchange both formally and informally.

Working Group on Agriculture and Food Cooperation

38.        Ministers welcomed the continuing close cooperation in the agriculture and food sectors based on the strong economic complementarities between Australia and Indonesia. Ministers noted the well established linkages in live cattle, wheat, and cotton and encouraged the continued development of closer commercially focused agribusiness relationships, including the development of safe supply chain and quality assurance systems for horticulture as well as animal products. Ministers noted that the Working Group on Agriculture and Food Cooperation agreed on a program of activities aimed at enhancing the bilateral agricultural relationship during its 9`h meeting in Perth in March 2002. Ministers welcomed the high level of cooperation across a range of sectors, including the capacity building programs for Indonesia in plant and animal health.

39.        Ministers noted that Quarantine Consultations were held during the 9`h Meeting of WGAFC to promote a mutual understanding of quarantine and food safety standards and regulation. It was agreed that the following activities would be given priority for future cooperation: fumigation accreditation; animal and plant health support; rabies diagnosis; and FMD surveillance. To facilitate the consultation, it needs to have a regular open dialogue between the two countries. Ministers also noted that the 10`h meeting of the Working Group will be held in Medan, Indonesia in June 2003.

Working Group on Science and Technology

40.        Ministers noted that a wide range of collaborative activities continued to progress under the Joint Working Group on Science and Technology. Two joint collaborative projects have been implemented under the RUTI Program (the Indonesian International Joint Research Program) since April 2002, namely "Submarine metallogenic resources and its management: Case of Sunda Straits and Northern Sulawesi." Ministers also welcomed the announcement of two new Government Sector Linkages Program (GSLP) projects to build Indonesia's management of seabed mineral resources and its capacity to maintain power plant safety and reliability.

41.        Ministers also noted the need to finalize at the earliest opportunity a new Treaty on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Australia and Indonesia to support the ongoing collaborative relationship. As an adjunct to the Treaty, a new Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Education, Science and Training and the Ministry of Research and Technology outlining the administrative mechanisms underpinning the Treaty will be signed.

Working Group on Transport and Tourism

42.        Ministers welcomed ongoing close cooperation in the transport sector. The Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services had delivered training programs in air services negotiations and aviation law, while Air services Australia has worked with Indonesian counterparts on the implementation of new International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Ministers noted search and rescue training being provided by Australian Maritime Safety Authority's Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR) to officers of Badan SAR Nasional. Ongoing cooperation between Indonesia and Australia through the APEC Transportation Working Group was also noted, focusing on air services liberalisation, e-commerce training and seafarer training.

43.        Ministers endorsed the signing of an MOU on Tourism Cooperation in June 2001, which would facilitate information sharing in marketing and statistical analysis among other activities. Ministers welcomed the proposed Australia-Indonesia tourism industry summit, which will focus on boosting tourism between the two countries.

Working Group on Marine Affairs and Fisheries

44.        Ministers endorsed the establishment of the Working Group on Marine Affairs and Fisheries and its role in facilitating practical cooperation on commercial matters and priority issues of mutual interest. Ministers welcomed 2 (two) new projects under AusAID's Government Sector Linkage Program (GSLP) on "Capacity Building in Oceans Management" and "Capacity Building in Fisheries Management". Ministers agreed that illegal fishing is a growing concern for both countries, as it threatens the livelihoods of our coastal communities and damages our natural environment. Ministers encouraged further activities aimed at combating illegal fishing and also activities aimed at improving the management of shared marine resources such as those in the 1974 MOU Box, which are important for traditional Indonesian fishers who have access to the area.

Working Group on Legal Cooperation

45.        Ministers welcomed the deepened understanding and appreciation of each country's legal system and institutions arising out of the inaugural meeting of the Working Group on Legal Cooperation held in Jakarta in April 2002, which was jointly opened by the Indonesian Minister for Justice and Human Rights, Professor Dr. Yusril Ihza Mahendra and the Australian AttorneyGeneral, the Hon Daryl Williams AM QC MP. Ministers noted the meeting of the Sub-Groups on intellectual property rights and immigration, and the subsequent continuation of activities on those matters. They endorsed the establishment of a Sub-Group on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution and the joint task force on bankruptcy, insolvency and commercial law. Ministers noted informal links established in legal education and training and the participation of private sector law firms from Indonesia and Australia in the Working Group on Legal Cooperation. They endorsed the continuing wide range of legal cooperation activities comprising training, study visits, exchanges and consultations across all fields of law between the two countries.

Working Group on Energy and Minerals

46.        Ministers recognized the strong relationship that has characterized energy and minerals cooperation. They supported officials maintaining a close dialogue, through the Joint Working Group, in the field of geology, geophysics, mineral resources, coal technology, oil and gas, electric power technology, new and renewable energy technologies, environmental impacts of mining, energy conservation and human resources developments as well as developments in domestic and international energy policies.

47.        Ministers agreed to having the I O'h Meeting of the Working Group in Canberra, Australia. Australia was currently considering possible dates for hosting the meeting and will advise Indonesia as soon as possible.

Institutional issues

48.        Ministers acknowledged the importance of maintaining flexibility in the development of the Ministerial Forum structures. They noted that new Working Groups have been developed and existing ones merged in the past to reflect the natural evolution of the bilateral cooperation agenda. At this Forum, Ministers:

• Agreed that a new Working Group on Social Security be established to build on the recent close collaboration and MOU and deepen and broaden practical cooperation on social security issues. Issues to be addressed in the working group would include social security reform, covering social insurance and social assistance, in both countries. The establishment of the working group and the development of its plan of action would take place after the meeting of the Ministerial Forum.
  
  
• Decided to abolish the working group on public works and infrastructure; and
  
  
• Formalized the new Working Group on Marine Affairs and Fisheries which was established at a meeting on 26 June 2001 between the Minister for Marine Affairs and Fisheries, HE Dr Ir Rohkmin Dahuri, and the Former Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator the Hon Robert Hill, and for Forestry and Conservation, the Hon Wilson Tuckey MP.

DATES AND VENUE FOR THE SEVENTH MINISTERIAL FORUM AND FIFTH AIDA MINISTERIAL MEETING

49.        Ministers concluded that the sixth meeting of the Australia-Indonesia Ministerial Forum had been of substantial value. They welcomed the opportunities it had provided for both countries to reaffirm their mutual commitment to building the bilateral relationship and to set out plans for its further development. They acknowledged the important contribution made by their respective business communities to the success of the forum.

49.        Ministers agreed that the seventh Ministerial Forum and the fifth AIDA meeting is tentatively scheduled to be held in Australia at the end of the year 2004.