Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo will visit Russia in the third week of May to participate in the Russia-ASEAN Summit and will witness the signing of an agreement to purchase eight 4.5-generation Sukhoi Su-35, a minister stated.

Speaking to journalists here, Tuesday, Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu affirmed that the plan to purchase eight 4.5-generation Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters was made after Indonesia bought 24 Sukhoi 27/30 aircraft.

Prior to his visit to Russia to attend the Russia-ASEAN Summit in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, President Widodo will visit South Korea. The two-nation tour will be undertaken on May 16-20.

According to Salim Mengga, a member of the House of Representatives Commission I overseeing defense, foreign affairs and information, the purchase of Sukhoi Su-35 aircraft was aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Indonesian Defence Force.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016