Defense Minister Ryacudu, in his remarks during the bilateral meeting with the Russian defense minister held at the Russian Ministry of Defense Building, Moscow, Wednesday, Feb 6, looked positively towards the bilateral defense cooperation that had been established so far.
Ryacudu, in a press release received in Jakarta on Friday, expressed gratitude for the hard work of all parties in Russia, so that the bilateral meeting can be conducted and is expected to offer positive results for relations and cooperation between both nations.
"Moreover, Russia has been a diplomatic partner in various fields, including in the procurement of military equipment, increasing the capacity and capability of Indonesian military personnel, as well as Russia`s support for Indonesia`s efforts to play a role in maintaining world peace and order," the former Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) remarked.
In line with the concept of defense diplomacy conducted by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Ryacudu believes that Indonesia and Russia had a major influence and the capability to take on the role of maintaining regional security and stability, which in turn, has an impact on world peace and order.
Another basic aspect of Indonesian defense diplomacy is that Indonesia continues to put forward the concept of defense strategy without being at enmity with any country.
Hence, Defense Minister Ryacudu`s state visit to Russia on this occasion demonstrated Indonesia`s commitment to building friendship and connectivity with all countries.
This includes Russia, which is also one of the four axes of Indonesia`s defense diplomacy besides the United States, China, and the ASEAN.
At the meeting, the four-star retired general stated that Indonesia`s main enemies were real threats, specifically terrorists and natural disasters. However, currently, terrorists are the main threat.
"As a common enemy of the world today, various forms of counter-terrorism policies have been sought by the Indonesian government, which in terms of including the Ministry of Defense itself," he remarked.
Hence, as a basis for enhancing the two countries` strategic partnership, Minister of Defense Ryacudu sought to increase cooperation between Indonesia and Russia in various fields, both those that have and will be implemented, such as exchanging information, conducting joint training, and increasing visits in the annual security dialogue between the two countries.
On this occasion, the Russian defense minister also invited Indonesia to participate in several activities to be conducted in Russia, including the International Security Conference, Army Forum, Army Games, and Navy Parade.
Reporting by Syaiful Hakim, Suharto
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
