The Australian government extended 4.6 million AU dollars (4.3 million U.S. dollars) to support Indonesia to improve its maritime and aviation transport systems, a joint statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said on Wednesday.

Truss said the funding is part of Australia's aid program to Indonesia and served as the annual fund for 2014-15 out of the 43 million AU dollars (40 million U.S. dollars) allocated to the Indonesia Transport Safety Assistance Package since 2007.

"Indonesia and Australia have worked closely to strengthen transport safety in the region through the training of transport safety inspectors and accident investigators, and undertaking joint search and rescue exercises," Truss said.

"The Indonesia Transport Safety Assistance Package successfully contributes to transport safety in Indonesia, particularly by assisting Indonesia to comply with international standards. This improves the safety of the millions of Australians who transit our neighbors' transport zones annually, as well as the millions of visitors to and from Australia."

Bishop welcomed Australia and Indonesia's strengthened transport cooperation as part of a comprehensive bilateral relationship involving about 60 different areas and 20 Australian agencies.

"In addition to improved safety, efficient transport systems also facilitate trade, tourism, and economic development," Bishop said.

The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development will administer the Indonesia Transport Safety Assistance Package. Endi

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