Defence Minister backs Indonesia-Egypt defence cooperation
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has given his full backing to President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to build defence cooperation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
“This cooperation is expected to further strengthen the defence capabilities of both countries while making a tangible contribution to regional peace, stability and security,” Sjafrie said in a post on his Instagram account, @sjafrie.sjamsoeddin, cited by ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday.
Sjafrie said the cooperation could bring many benefits to Indonesia. As well as strengthening bilateral ties between Indonesia and Egypt, it could improve Indonesia’s military capabilities through joint combat training with Egypt.
“Indonesia and Egypt have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the defence industry, build human resource capacity through education and joint training, and exchange experience and expertise,” Sjafrie said.
He expressed hope that the cooperation would develop smoothly and deliver the best possible results for the military capabilities of both countries.
President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia and Egypt had agreed to strengthen defence industry cooperation and build capacity through education and joint training.
“We have agreed to increase cooperation, particularly in the defence industry and capacity-building through education and joint training, as well as exchanges of visits between our leaders and experts,” Prabowo said in a joint statement with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Sunday (11 October).
Prabowo said stronger defence cooperation was one of the areas discussed by the two leaders as they sought to bolster the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Egypt.
In addition to education and joint training, the two countries agreed to encourage exchanges of visits by leaders and experts to strengthen ties and capacity in defence.
“I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for Egypt’s support in assisting and facilitating the needs of Indonesian Navy ships deployed on United Nations peacekeeping missions in the Middle East,” the President said.
Besides the defence industry, Prabowo said the two countries had also agreed to strengthen cooperation in several other areas, including trade and investment, maritime affairs and fisheries, and education.
In the economic sphere, Indonesia and Egypt are promoting the establishment of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to expand market access and investment opportunities.
The two countries also welcomed an initiative to establish a Joint Investment Fund to support strategic projects.
In maritime affairs and fisheries, they agreed to strengthen cooperation on sustainable development, marine resource conservation, combating illegal fishing, and exchanging knowledge and expertise.
Education cooperation will also be expanded through student exchanges, university partnerships and joint research.
The President also welcomed Egypt’s offer of additional scholarships for Indonesian students, particularly in medicine, engineering and science.
Prabowo said the bilateral agreements reflected both countries’ commitment to strengthening the Indonesia-Egypt strategic partnership and ensuring it delivered tangible benefits.
“These agreements demonstrate our shared commitment to continuing to strengthen the Indonesia-Egypt strategic partnership,” Prabowo said.