Jakarta, (Antara Sumbar) - Indonesia and Fiji have signed an agreement to enhance their bilateral ties and extend cooperation in the defense sector.
The agreement was signed by Indonesia's Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and his counterpart Ratu Inoke Kubuabola here, Friday (Sept 29).
The signing (of the agreement) marks the continuation of the defense relations between the two countries toward a more strategic level," Ryamizard said.
The cooperation will cover the exchange of visits by the defense agencies, and regular bilateral dialogue, as well as consultation on strategic defense and military, he stated.
It will also cover capacity building in defense and military through seminars, workshops, training and education programs, exchange of military intelligence, cooperation in defense industry, and the transfer of technology in research.
Ryamizard emphasized that Indonesia considered Fiji as an important ally in the region, which had always supported Indonesia's sovereignty, and had always refrained from backing the independence of Papua.
"This has made Fiji a good partner in the Pacific region for Indonesia," he added.
He expressed hope that the agreement would bring positive impact to the defense sectors of both the countries.
"The Indonesian government has paid close attention to the cooperation with Fiji," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Fiji Defense and Security Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola said the cooperation was a milestone for the country.
"We are inviting Indonesia's Defense Minister to visit Fiji and hold bilateral dialogue on the first defense cooperation between the two countries," Kubuabola mentioned. (*)
Editor: Vicha Faradika
