Russia was exploring the possibility of making tanks in cooperation with Indonesia`s arms and ammunition manufacturer PT Pindad and doing the regular maintenance of M1-35 helicopters with Indonesia`s aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Alexander Ivanov said here Tuesday.
"We are drafting a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with PT Pindad, while with PT Dirgantara we have already finalized an MOU to be signed soon by both parties," the ambassador said.
With Indonesia`s ship-building company PT PAL , Russia was exploring the possibility of cooperating in the production of certain types of naval equipment and weapons.
Russia was forging the defense industry cooperation ties with Indonesia because it believed Indonesia would be a good partner and had always been one of Russia`s best friends, according to Ivanov.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said cooperation in the defense industry field with Russia was a good proposition because Russia was fully self-reliant in military hardware.
The minister said both nations had agreed to intensify and expand cooperation in the defense and military fields.
"Not only in armaments trade, but also in joint education and training activities, as well as in exchange of visits by their military personnel," he said.
Russia was also interested in establishing cooperation in terrorism and separatism eradication, Minister Purnomo said.
(Uu.F001/HAJM/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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