Indonesia closer to signing extradition treaty with China

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Wed, 10/08/2008 7:50 PM | National

An Indonesian ambassador says Indonesia is now closer to signing an extradition treaty and strategic partnership action plan with China.

"Hopefully, both the drafts of the extradition treaty and strategic partnership action plan will be signed this year," Indonesian Ambassador to China, Sudrajat, said in Beijing, as quoted by Antara.

One of the main aims of the extradition treaty, which would serve as a legal ground for a strategic partnership framework, is for both countries to cooperate in corruption eradication efforts, particularly in handling stolen assets and fugitives.

The strategic partnership action plan would also provide guidelines and detailed steps for strategic partnerships in politics, law and security, as well as economic and socio- cultural affairs.

The initiative was launched during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's China visit in 2005, when he and Chinese president Hu Jintao witnessed the signing of five agreements on economic affairs, disaster assistance, defense technology and education.

The signing marked a significant improvement in Chinese- Indonesian relations since the downfall of the authoritarian Soeharto regime in 1998. Soeharto, who seized power in 1965, cut diplomatic ties with China in 1967.

"The two countries plan to sign the strategic partnership action plan and extradition treaty in Jakarta soon, as it is now two months before the end of year," Sudrajat said. (ast)

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