Malaysia, RI troops hold joint exercise

Malaysia, RI troops hold joint exercise

MALAYSIA: Malaysian and Indonesian troops began an annual joint exercise in the Malaysian state of Sabah, on Borneo island, to foster closer ties, a news report said on Tuesday.

About 400 Malaysian and 140 Indonesian soldiers are taking part in the two-week exercise, which started on Monday, the New Straits Times reported. The Southeast Asian neighbors have conducted the annual event since 1972.

"Our two countries have a good relationship at the government- to-government level and the situation is the same for both armies," Malaysian army deputy chief Lt. Gen. Muhammad Ismail was quoted as saying. "We need to have close ties as we share borders."

The exercise, held alternately in Indonesia and Malaysia, improves the professionalism of soldiers from both nations, Indonesian military official Endang Suwarya was cited as saying. Officials were not immediately available on Tuesday for comment. -- AP