"We hope cooperation between two countries in the filed of exercises and operations that have been developed well so far especially between the two countries` navies could be increased," he said when receiving Indian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Nirmal Kurma Verma, according to the chief spokesman of the TNI headquarters, Col Minulyo Suprapto.
Minulyo said the two countries` navies had been conducting periodic joint exercises over a long time, especially in the two countries` sea border areas.
"It is hoped the cooperation in exercises and operations between the two countries` navies can be expanded in the future," he said.
During hid four day-visit to Indonesia, Admiral Verma also wished to discuss possible cooperation opportunities in the defense industry with Indonesia besides deepening the existing military cooperation ties.
Besides paying a courtesy call on Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and TNI commander Admiral Agus Suhartono, Admiral Verma was also scheduled to visit the Eastern Fleet Command headquarters and the Navy Acadamy in Surabaya, East Java.
Admiral Verma will also visit several state-owned defense industries in the country such as weapons industry PT Pindad, aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia and shipbuilder PT PAL..
Earlier the defense ministry spokesman, Brigadier General I Wayan Meihio said after the meeting between minister Yusgiantoro and Admiral Verma that Indian defense industry is more developed than the Indonesian especially in the chemcical, electronic, mechanic and logistical fields.
"Even they have been able to produce missiles, submarines and aircraft carriers. We are still exploring what we can cooperate in the defense industry," he said.
The possibility to cooperate in the field of defense between the two countries have been sought years ago followed by the ratification of the memorandum of understanding between the two countries on defense fields in the form of a Joint Defense Committee.
(T.R018/Uu.HAJM/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
