JAKARTA. Australia said Tuesday that Indonesia's ambassador has returned to Canberra, six months after he was called home during a diplomatic spat over spying allegations.

Indonesian ambassador Nadjib Riphat Kesoema's return marks a significant thawing in relations since he was recalled in November when media reported phone-tapping revelations from National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden. The reports said that Australia had spied on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his wife and eight Indonesian ministers and officials in 2009.

A Foreign Ministry statement confirmed that Kesoema had returned to the Australian capital. He could not be immediately contacted Tuesday for comment.

Indonesia had suspended some bilateral cooperation, recalled the ambassador and demanded that Australia sign a code of conduct before the two countries could start working together again on people smuggling, defense and intelligence sharing. The two sides are still negotiating wording of the code.

Yudhoyono had offered Prime Minister Tony Abbott an olive branch by inviting him to an international summit in Bali early this month, but Abbott declined, citing work commitments. Abbott phoned Yudhoyono and the two leaders discussed potential dates for a face-to-face meeting, as early as next month. 

Indonesian ambassador returns to Australia

Editor: Asnil Amri