Indonesian Navy strengthens bilateral ties with the Royal Netherlands Navy

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) strengthened its bilateral relations and fostered military cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Navy through a meeting of high-ranking officials in Surabaya, on Thursday (14/5).

A press release from the TNI AL in Jakarta, on Friday, stated that the strengthening of cooperation occurred when the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Muhammad Ali, received a courtesy call from the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Vice Admiral Harold Liebregs, at the headquarters of the Second Fleet Command (Mako Koarmada II), Surabaya, East Java, on Thursday (14/5).

It was explained that the visit was part of a series of activities related to the docking of the Royal Netherlands Navy warship, HNLMS De Ruyter, in Surabaya.

Ali expressed his appreciation for Harold’s visit to Indonesia, as it signified the close bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands, which have been ongoing for a long time.

“The TNI AL and the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) have a solid track record of cooperation, ranging from defence, operations and exercises, to education programmes to improve the professionalism of soldiers,” said Ali.

With this meeting, Ali hopes that the good relations that have been established can become even stronger for the common good.

He also hopes that this meeting can produce plans to expand cooperation in the field of defence and maritime security.

At the end of the meeting, both sides took a tour of the ship before the event concluded with the presentation of certificates.