Defense Minister Prabowo Visits Malaysia

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto in Malaysia/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto paid a two-day visit to Malaysia, following a video conversation with Malaysian Defense Minister Hishamuddin Hussein on October 4.

"Today marks another important moment for Malaysia-Indonesia relations, especially from the point of view of defense diplomacy," said Malaysian Defense Minister Hishamuddin Hussein in Kuala Lumpur, quoted by Antara, Thursday 28 October.

Prabowo and Hishammuddin on Thursday held a face-to-face meeting, the first time between the two countries' defense ministers since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world.

Prabowo's visit began with a courtesy call on Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

After that, the Minister of Defense visited the Ministry of Defense. There, he received a reception of honor from the Main Guard of Honor from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD).

The two ministers then held bilateral meetings to discuss various issues, especially bilateral and regional security cooperation.

"Mr. Prabowo and I exchanged views that it is important for every ASEAN country to strengthen defense diplomacy in the interests of regional security," he said.

From the point of view of Malaysia-Indonesia defense cooperation, Hishammuddin and Prabowo praised each other and expressed appreciation for the commitment of their respective national soldiers who returned to actively conduct joint military exercises.

"We are also involved between the health services of the armed forces of the two countries need to be improved, especially continuing the best cooperation related to vaccination, treatment and COVID-19 testing," he said.

Hishammuddin said his party also expressed commitment to increase cooperation between the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Indonesian National Army (TNI) in maintaining peace on the Malaysia-Indonesia border, especially through the operation of joint posts.

"For now, the joint operation between the Malaysian Army (TDM) and the TNI is in six Pos Gabungan settlements concentrated on the Sarawak-Kalimantan border," he said.

TDM also agreed to continue joint exercises between the armed forces of their respective countries in an effort to address the terrorist threat through Latgabma Malindo Darsasa.

Regarding border control, he said, Malaysia will host the 42nd GBC Malindo in February 2022.

"The last time this consultation was held was in 2018 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and both countries have agreed to continue it next year," he said.