The meeting was aimed at reaffirming the commitment of the two countries to their strategic partnership, especially in assessing and overcoming various challenges and threats to security in the region and in counter-terrorism efforts.
Ryamizard`s visit to Hawaii was on Mattis` invitation to attend the handing over ceremony for the post of commander of US PACOM (Pacific Command), whose name would be changed to Commander of Indo-Pacific.
Ryamizard expressed appreciation to the offer of defence cooperation from the US in the meeting. He said it was in line with Indonesia`s commitment to continue fighting terrorism and building its capacity, "be it in physical or non-physical terms especially against radical ideology".
He said Indonesia would continue to increase its defence cooperation with the US on land, sea and air. "Indonesia considers the US a strategic partner. The relations between Indonesia and the US at present are the strongest and the best in the field of defence compared to the precious periods," he said.
Indonesia was ready to increase its commitment to buy weaponry from the US, he added.
Reported by Syaiful Hakim
(H-YH/INE)
(TZ.SYS/B/KR-BSR/B/H-YH)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
