Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said defence cooperation is a pillar and an inseparable part of Vietnam-Indonesia strategic partnership and wished to bring the cooperation to the next level in the future.



{keywords}

Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu (Source: .straitstimes)



He was speaking to Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Hoang Anh Tuan during the latter’s courtesy visit in Jakarta on December 8.

Minister Ryacudu expressed his hope for new developments in the two countries’ relations and their defence cooperation during the new ambassador’s working term.

He noted that security and defence affiliations between the two countries have progressed soundly, reflected in more visits and practical talks that dealt with not only bilateral issues but also regional and global matters.

He stressed that Vietnam and Indonesia have important strategic interests and need to work together closely in maintaining peace and security in the East Sea.

Ambassador Tuan pledged that he will do its utmost to boost cooperation and exchanges to promote mutual understanding and trust between the Vietnamese and Indonesian people and armies.

In the context of regional and international complications, stepping up defence cooperation between the two countries plays an important role in preserving peace and security in the region, he said.

He took the occasion to relay the invitation to visit Vietnam from Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh to Minister Ryacudu. Minister Ryacudu accepted the invitation, saying he will arrange the visit in the earliest time.

Vietnam and Indonesia signed an agreement on combating crimes in 2005, a memorandum on enhancing cooperation between defence officers and related activities in 2010, and an agreement on establishing strategic partnership in June 2013.

On the sidelines of the Asia-Africa Summit in Indonesia in April 2015, President Truong Tan Sang and President Joko Widodo discussed measures to boost defence cooperation, including joint military exercise, the transfer of defence technology and joint patrol at sea.

VNA