Indonesia seeks to hold joint military exercise with China
Baku, January 10, AZERTAC
Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin explored the potential for an Indonesia-China joint military drill during a meeting with Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission General Liu Zhenli, according to ANTARA.
The two held a bilateral meeting at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense in Central Jakarta on Friday.
"We expressed our keenness to hold a joint military exercise, as we view such an activity as a means of defense of diplomacy toward our partners, including China," Head of the Information Bureau of the Defense Ministry Brigadier General Frega Ferdinand Wenas told the media at his office.
He highlighted that in addition to bolstering Indonesia-China diplomatic ties, a joint military drill could also be instrumental in refining the two nations' defense capacity.
Moreover, Wenas noted that such an activity might offer Indonesia and China the opportunity to exchange insights on battle strategies and defense technology and mutually send soldiers for educational purposes.
The brigadier general then quoted Minister Sjamsoeddin as saying that the two countries need to foster a more comprehensive bond that goes beyond interactions between their top officials.
However, he highlighted that the two delegations had yet to discuss the location for the anticipated joint drill.
"Regardless, in principle, we are considering military exercise as a diplomatic defense activity," he stated.
As cited from the ministry's statement, Minister Sjamsoeddin and General Liu also celebrated the harmonious relations between Indonesia and China, acknowledging that the countries are more than partners as they share similar Asian cultures.
During the courtesy call, the two also shared the same view about the need for Indonesia and China to always prioritize their well-maintained ties, especially as this year marks the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
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