Rudd praises Indonesian cooperation on asylum seekers

Updated January 10, 2012 22:15:06

Australia and Indonesia have agreed to boost their fight against people-smuggling.

Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd met his Indonesian counterpart Marty Natalegawa in Jakarta today to discuss joint efforts to combat the growing number of asylum seekers using Indonesia as a springboard to get to Australia by boat.

The meeting came as Indonesia announced it would relax visa restrictions for some foreigners, including those from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, both source countries for asylum seekers.

But the Indonesian foreign minister says while new regulations require visitors to apply for visas in their home countries instead of Indonesia, their applications will be usually processed in Jakarta and subject to proper procedures.

Mr Rudd says Australia-Indonesian cooperation on the issue is strong.

Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speakers: Australian foriegn minister, Kevin Rudd

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