"They seek for new opportunities in bilateral relations, not only in the defense sector but also increasing stability and prosperity in the region," Head of the ministry's Public Relations Bureau Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha said here Thursday.
According to Sumantha, Sjamsoeddin also conveyed a desire for joint military exercises between Indonesia and China.
"I am committed to strengthening our cooperation, especially in the defense sector. I highly appreciate our strong bilateral relations and (am) looking forward to enhancing this partnership for the common good," the minister told Ambassador Lutong, according to a statement issued by his office.
Ambassador Lutong congratulated Sjamsoeddin on being appointed the new defense minister for the 2024–2029 term.
Several key Defense Ministry officials accompanied Sjamsoeddin at the meeting, including Deputy Minister of Defense, Donny Ermawan Taufanto, and director of international defense cooperation, Brigadier General Airlangga.
After the courtesy call, Sjamsoeddin and Taufanto left for the Magelang Military Academy (Akmil) in Central Java on Thursday afternoon.
Along with the ranks of ministers and deputy ministers in the Red and White Cabinet led by President Prabowo Subianto, they both will attend briefings in the Tidar Valley from October 25–27, 2024.
They will spend the night in tents at Akmil Complex, wear military uniforms, and take part in a series of activities, including outbound activities, in addition to a briefing led by President Prabowo.
The ranks of ministers departed for Magelang on board the Indonesian Air Force's C-130 J Super Hercules aircraft.
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Translator: Genta Tenri M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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