Both countries’ defence ministers reaffirmed long-standing cooperation and friendship between both Armed Forces and agreed on four new initiatives going forward.
SINGAPORE: Four new initiatives to strengthen bilateral defence ties were agreed on by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and Indonesian counterpart General (Retired) Ryamizard Ryacudu on Friday (Jan 30).
Both ministers reaffirmed the long-standing cooperation and friendship between both Armed Forces, and all three services on the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) – army, air force and navy – have substantive engagements and joint exercises, according to a joint press release.
To further strengthen bilateral defence ties, Mr Ng and Gen (Rtd) Ryamizard agreed on four new initiatives:
- Step up collaboration and practical cooperation through existing links between both Armed Forces in common security concerns, such as maritime security and anti-piracy, counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
- Increase bilateral interactions between officials in the defence ministries and military officers through joint training and course participation in each other’s institutions.
- Conduct regular dialogues between senior officials in the defence ministries on regional and strategic issues of mutual interest to both countries.
- Explore new initiatives built on military-to-military joint interactions, which have brought much benefit to both TNI and SAF.
Gen (Rtd) Ryamizard is in Singapore from Jan 28 to 30 for an introductory visit.
Via: http://www.channelnewsasia.com
