Indonesian defence minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and his Dutch counterpart Jeanine Hennis Plasschaert on February 6 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.

The signing took place in the framework of Purnomo’s visit to the Netherlands.

During the visit, the two ministers discussed regional and international defense issues as well as Indonesia’s project to equip its navy with frigates and agreed that this is an important step towards increasing their diplomatic ties.

They also indicated a strong commitment to further promote the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect for of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles of equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual benefits.

The MoU covers wide range of issues on cooperation through strategic dialogues on regional and international defense security, exchange visits of defense officials of both countries.

It also refers to the cooperation on material production, maintenance and logistics support, and technology transfer and exchange of information, organisation of workshops on defense industry.

Armed forces of Indonesia and the Netherlands will mutually share experiences related to the military law and history, disaster management, science and technology, military intelligence and maritime security, and also boost ties in the fields of education and training, joint naval exercises, logistics and peacekeeping operations.

Under the document, the Netherlands will continue offering full scholarships to Indonesian naval cadets so that they can study at the Netherlands Defense Academy.-VNA