Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin on Wednesday (Oct. 29) received a courtesy visit from former Governor-General of Australia, H.E. General (Retd.) David John Hurley, at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Jakarta, as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and defense relations between the two countries.

According to an official press release issued on Thursday, the meeting aimed to enhance the long-standing military cooperation between Indonesia and Australia.

Head of the Information and Public Relations Bureau at the Defense Ministry Secretariat General, Brigadier General Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang, confirmed to Antara in Jakarta on Thursday that several key issues were discussed during the meeting, including the ongoing development of a new territorial battalion.

Brig. Gen. Inkiriwang said the discussion took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the long-standing friendship between the two figures.

“General (Retd.) Hurley has been a long-time friend of Minister Sjafrie since their days together at the Royal Military College (RMC) Duntroon in Australia,” Inkiriwang said.

“The friendship that began during their military education has continued, and both have played key roles in establishing the Indonesia-Australia Defense Alumni Association (IKAHAN),” he added.

Inkiriwang expressed hope that the meeting would further strengthen military relations between Indonesia and Australia and foster continued cooperation between the two nations’ defense establishments.

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Translator: Walda, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Primayanti
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