JAKARTA -- Indonesia opened on Wednesday the fourth annual informal dialogue between defense officials from several countries, expecting to strengthen cooperation in maritime security and stability.

The two-day Jakarta International Defense Dialogue (JIDD) event was attended by delegates from 46 countries, among others those from ASEAN member countries, China, Australia, the United States and several countries from Europe and Africa.

It was opened by vice President Boediono in the capital city's landmark convention center, with Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao being a keynote speaker.

Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgoantoro said in his welcoming remarks that the forum would be the best place to share update issues about challenges faced by countries to improve their maritime security, tackle trans-boundary crime, and encourage establishment of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in settling maritime conflicts.

Dialogue between Indonesian and Australian defense ministers was highly expected to restore the two countries' cracked relation in defense sector.

Besides ministers, the event was also attended by scholars, observers from the United Nations, European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Related:

Increase in military budget justified

Actions don't match words