Indonesian Defence Ministry Strengthens Defence Cooperation with Thailand

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has affirmed that Indonesia will continue to strengthen defence cooperation with Thailand.

That commitment was reinforced by the presence of Thai Defence Minister H.E. Lt. Gen. Adul Boomthumjareon, who paid a courtesy visit to the Indonesian Defence Ministry office in Central Jakarta on Monday.

During the meeting, Sjafrie said Indonesia and Thailand had previously agreed on a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) encompassing a range of military cooperation arrangements.

Sjafrie said the points of cooperation would certainly continue to be implemented in order to strengthen the combat capabilities of both Indonesia and Thailand.

“For example, we will conduct exchanges of officers and soldiers from the special forces of both countries, and we also plan to hold exercises between the Indonesian and Thai special forces,” said Sjafrie.

“We will increase coordinated patrols between each country for the sake of stability in the ASEAN region, particularly in the Malacca Strait,” Sjafrie explained.

With this range of military cooperation, Sjafrie expressed hope that bilateral relations between Indonesia and Thailand will grow ever stronger.