Indonesian Defence Ministry Strengthens Defence Cooperation with Thailand

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has confirmed the country will continue to strengthen defence cooperation with Thailand. The commitment was reinforced by the presence of Thai Defence Minister H.E. Lt. Gen. Adul Boomthumjareon during a courtesy call at the Indonesian Ministry of Defence office in Central Jakarta on Monday. During the meeting, Sjafrie stated that Indonesia and Thailand had previously agreed on a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) containing various military cooperation arrangements. Sjafrie said the points of cooperation are confirmed to be continuously implemented to strengthen the combat power 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 conduct exercises between the special forces of Indonesia and Thailand,” Sjafrie said. “We will enhance coordinated patrols between each country for stability in the ASEAN region, particularly in the Malacca Strait,” Sjafrie explained. With these various military cooperation activities, Sjafrie hopes the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Thailand will grow even stronger.