Defense Minister Sjafrie And US Ambassador Explore Maritime Security Cooperation

Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin chatted with the United States Ambassador to Indonesia Kamala Shirin Lakhdir/ANTARA/HO-Biro Public Relations of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense Secretariat General.

JAKARTA - Minister of Defense (Menhan) Lt. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and the United States Ambassador to Indonesia Kamala Shirin Lakhdir are exploring opportunities for defense cooperation between the two countries, including maritime security.

Head of the Public Relations Bureau (Karo Humas) of the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Defense Brigadier General TNI Edwin Adrian Sumantha explained the US Ambassador to Defense Minister Sjafrie conveying the US desire to increase cooperation in maritime security.

During the meeting, the US Ambassador also conveyed his country's desire to continue training with Super Garuda Shield, which currently takes place regularly every year in Indonesia.

"(US) also wants to increase cooperation in the field of education and English language training," said Edwin, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, October 28.

During the meeting, Defense Minister Sjafrie expressed his gratitude for the visit of Ambassador Kamala and stated Indonesia's commitment to strengthening the partnership that has been established between the two countries.

Indonesia and the United States this year commemorated 75 years of diplomatic relations. In that period, more than 6,000 Indonesians, both TNI soldiers and citizens, have studied and trained in various educational institutions in the United States. Then this year, there are nine cadets from the TNI academy who are studying military in the US.

Defense Minister Sjafrie after being sworn in on Monday (21/10) last week received an honorary visit from the ambassadors of the two countries, namely China and the US.

The Minister of Defense received a visit from the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong on Thursday (24/10) last week at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense Office, Jakarta.

During the meeting, the two discussed the latest issues, including exploring the increase in Indonesia-China defense cooperation in the future.

Defense Minister Sjafrie also expressed his wish that Indonesia and China in the future could hold joint military exercises.

"I am committed to strengthening our cooperation, especially in the defense sector. I really appreciate our strong bilateral relationship, and (I) are able to improve this partnership for the common good," said Defense Minister Sjafrie to the Chinese Ambassador.