Indonesia and Saudi Arabia to sign defense cooperation agreement

Indonesia and Saudi Arabia to sign defense cooperation agreement

2011-04-13 05:01:01 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- Indonesia's Defense Ministry on Tuesday announced that it had agreed to establish a defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

The ministry's deputy minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin traveled to Saudi Arabia and met with Prince Khalid bin Sultan last Saturday as part of his five-day visit, discussing bilateral efforts to carry out joint training, exercises, development of defense industries, and personnel exchange programs.

Both leaders also agreed that a Working Group/Joint Military Committee (WG/MJC) would be established by a set of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on defense.

Following the establishment of the WG/MJC, a first meeting will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia or in Jakarta, Indonesia this coming June, followed by the signing of an MoU at the end of the year.

During the meeting, Sjamsoeddin recognized Saudi Arabia's ability to overcome political and security unrest in the surrounding countries. Likewise, Prince Khalid noted the importance for Saudi Arabia to maintain stability, as it plays a key role in global energy (oil) and is home of two holy mosques, which were described as responsibility of all Muslims around the world.

The deputy minister also went on to introduce a number of Indonesian made military products, such as PT Pindad's latest production rifle SS2 V1 and PT Dirgantara-manufactured CN 35 aircraft.

Sjamsoeddin took time to tour several parts of Riyadh during his visit, including the Shagr Al-Jazeera military museum and Saudi's Advanced Electronic company. He also participated in several activities with the Indonesian community at the country's embassy.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-04-13