India, Australia sign MoUs on combating terrorism, civil aviation security

New Delhi [India], Apr.10 (ANI): India and Australia on Monday signed six MoUs in different fields including combating terrorism, civil aviation security, and satellite navigation. In a joint statement after the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that both countries have made a significant progress in bilateral relations in the recent years. "We are aware that in this globalised world challenges like terrorism and cyber-security extend beyond boundaries of our regions," Prime Minister Modi added. While praising his Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister Modi said, "Your visit gives us opportunity to shape new priorities in our strategic partnership." Prime Minister Modi emphasised on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. "We are aware that in this globalised world, challenges like terrorism and cyber security extend beyond boundaries of our regions and require global strategy and solutions," he added. The Prime Ministers committed to deepening the bilateral defence and security partnership. They welcomed the significant progress achieved through the bilateral Framework for Security Cooperation agreed in 2014. The two countries have achieved a broad-based defence and security partnership, which continues to expand. They also welcomed the Indian Ocean Rim Association's (IORA) Declaration on Countering and Preventing Terrorism and Violent Extremism, adopted at the IORA Leaders' Summit. India and Australia already cooperate closely on counter-terrorism through the bilateral Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Turnbull expressed their support for peace, stability, prosperity, security and integrity of Afghanistan. They emphasised the need for an early peace and reconciliation through Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process; and called for ending external support for terrorism. (ANI)