Chinese Defence Minister agrees to deepen military cooperation with Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun said his side has agreed to deepen military cooperation with Indonesia after meeting with Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

“At present, China-Indonesia defence cooperation is vastly different compared to previous periods. Both in terms of depth and scope, we have achieved abundant results in various fields and at all levels,” Dong Jun said after his arrival was welcomed by Sjafrie at the Ministry of Defence office in Central Jakarta on Friday.

Speaking to the media, Dong Jun said his side is committed to partnering with Indonesia in modernising the national defence system.

According to him, this must be done so that Indonesia and China can become strong nations capable of deterring various threats in the region.

Not only in the field of modernising defence equipment, Dong Jun also confirmed that the two countries will explore various potential areas of defence cooperation to strengthen the position of Indonesia and China in ASEAN and the world.

“It can be said that the cooperation between the two countries has broad prospects. Its quality and efficiency continue to improve,” Dong Jun explained.

Therefore, Dong expressed hope that this strategic cooperation can continue to be well maintained for the benefit of Indonesia and China.

“Together with Minister Sjafrie, we are equally confident that under the leadership and direction of the heads of state, we can elevate the relationship between the two countries to a higher level. Thank you,” Dong Jun said.

At the same time, Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin welcomed the various military cooperation plans to be carried out by Indonesia and China.

Sjafrie expressed hope that this defence cooperation can further strengthen the good relations between Indonesia and China, which have been established for 19 years.

“The relationship between Indonesia and China has been very close, and we are committed to enhancing this cooperation,” Sjafrie explained.