Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has unequivocally stated that his country does not support separatist groups opposing the Indonesian government, including the Free Papua Movement in Papua. He  emphasized Australia's commitment to Indonesia's territorial sovereignty, including Papua, which is currently a stronghold for separatist factions, antaranews.com reported. "We, Australia, staunchly support Indonesia's territorial sovereignty. Period. There is no support whatsoever for separatist movements. We stand behind Indonesia's sovereignty, including its provinces. There are no ifs or buts about it. I want us all to be clear on that," Deputy Prime MInister Marles during a press conference after a meeting with Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto  on Friday (23/2/2024). He emphasized that Indonesia and Australia face similar security threats in the region, and this understanding forms the basis of each country's defense policies. Therefore, Deputy Prime Minister Marles emphasized that during his meeting with Prabowo, he believes the two countries will soon finalize a new comprehensive defense cooperation agreement. He said that discussions regarding the enhancement of this new defense cooperation agreement are nearing completion. "We are in a position where we also hope that the agreement will be signed in the coming months," Deputy Prime Minister Marles said . Once signed, he is confident that the cooperation will represent the most significant defense partnership in the history of Indonesia-Australia relations. "It will also be the most crucial moment in this bilateral relationship," Deputy Prime Minister Marles added. During the same press conference, Minister Prabowo estimated that the agreement would be signed by both countries within the next 2 to 3 months. (mg/inp/pr/nm)