Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto met with Chinese Minister of Defense Li Shangfu at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on Sunday to discuss improving defense cooperation between the two countries.

"I seek to enhance cooperation between Indonesia and China. Therefore, the formation of the 2+2 Indonesia-China forum is of great importance," stated Subianto.

During the meeting, he expressed his full support for optimizing the relationship between Indonesia and China to achieve a comprehensive strategic partnership.

"This forum is expected to significantly enhance comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the field of defense and security in the future," he remarked.

Subianto also emphasized the importance of maintaining the relationship between the two countries like a brotherhood.

This aligns with Indonesia's continuous effort to actively participate in various cooperative initiatives that drive the creation of regional and global peace and stability.

The Indonesia-China relationship is strengthened through the annual bilateral meeting forum known as the Defense Industry Cooperation Meeting (DICM).

Several Chinese companies have established cooperation with Indonesian state-run defense companies such as PT LEN, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, and PT Dahana.

"I hope that cooperation and friendship between the two countries can be maintained with the spirit of brotherhood and the principle of mutual respect," he said.

While in Singapore, Subianto also attended the 20th Asia Security Summit of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday.

During the event, he highlighted the importance for countries to handle geopolitical competition and territorial disputes through dialogue, negotiation, and mutually beneficial solutions.

He stated that compromise between countries is the only solution that can be pursued to achieve global prosperity.

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Translator: Laily Rahmawaty, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Anton Santoso
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