Subianto is optimistic that the Indonesian Parliament (DPR RI) would immediately approve the Draft Law (RUU) on Ratification of the Agreement between the Governments of Indonesia and Kingdom of Sweden regarding Cooperation in the Defense Sector.
"Ratification of this cooperation will have implications on cooperation in the defense sector, open up opportunities for Indonesia to develop the defense industry, intensify defense cooperation, and lay down a solid legal foundation for defense cooperation between the two countries," Subianto stated at the virtual DPR RI Commission I Working Meeting, Wednesday.
The meeting discussed the Bill on Ratification of the Agreement between the governments of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Sweden on Cooperation in the Defense Sector that was suggested by the government.
Subianto believes that ratification of the cooperation agreement will have positive implications on the political aspects of the two countries in the form of increasing and strengthening bilateral relations.
Hence, the minister is optimistic that it would encourage the strengthening of cooperation in other fields that are beneficial to the development and national interests of the two countries.
Subianto expounded seven points outlined in the defense cooperation between Indonesia and the Kingdom of Sweden, with the first being, the exchange of information and experiences on issues of common interest pertaining to political, military, and international maritime security issues.
"Second, exchange information and best practices and promote cooperation between agencies of the two countries in the field of research and development of science and other related institutions," he revealed.
The minister highlighted that the third point was focused on the development of cooperation and exchange of experiences related to logistical support and maintenance on the basis of mutual benefit and agreement from the parties, while the fourth pertained to support for the development of cooperation in the defense industry that included technology transfer, joint research, joint production, joint marketing, and quality assurance.
The fifth point prioritized development and enhancement of military training at all levels, including civilian personnel in the Ministry of Defense; while the sixth point was related to the development of activities that lead to military, medical, and health activities; and seventh point is about other forms of cooperation.
Subianto said Law No. 24 of 2000 on International Treaties stipulated that conditions for the validity of international agreements in the defense sector should be ratified in the form of laws.
To this end, the minister stated that the government, in this case, the Ministry of Defense, had submitted the bill to the House of Representatives for a joint approval, so that the law would serve as a legal basis for any form of cooperation in the defense sector between both nations. Related news: DPR's Commission I approves bill on defense cooperation with Sweden
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Translator: Imam B, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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