"I convey my satisfaction over the ongoing bilateral cooperation. Relations between our two countries have been going on for decades and are currently in a good condition," Subianto stated after a closed-door meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin at the ministry office here, Monday.
The minister noted that the latest meeting with Austin is his fourth in the last two years.
He said that the bilateral dialogue proceeded constructively, and some points discussed were cooperation in the training for Indonesian military officers, defense equipment, and joint training.
Subianto also highlighted the need to accelerate the completion of recovery and repatriation of American prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA) in Indonesia.
"We promised to accelerate the works, as we are keen to help them repatriate their fallen soldiers," the minister said.
Meanwhile, Secretary Austin said that bilateral cooperation between the United States and Indonesia in the defense sector had been forged for over seven decades and had continued progressing.
Indonesia has shown its capability in maintaining sovereignty and security in the Indo-Pacific region, he pointed out.
"The United States is proud to cooperate with you to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region," Austin said.
The secretary reiterated his commitment to bolstering partnership between the United States and Indonesia.
"In this meeting, we discuss various efforts to bolster our partnership, including expanding interoperability and increasing investment in the education sector," he remarked.
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Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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