Illustrative image (Photo: AFP) Jakarta (VNA) - The military chiefs of member countries of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to hold joint military drills in the North Natuna Sea, Riau Islands, said Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Admiral Yudo Margono.
This will be the first-ever joint military drills within the ASEAN member states, he added.
"In the near future, we will hold joint military drills in the North Natuna Sea, to be called the ASEAN Solidity Exercise (ENatuna) or Asec01N," Margono was quoted by Antara news agency after the ASEAN Chief of Defence Forces Meeting (ACDFM) in Nusa Dua, Bali.
According to Margono, it has been agreed by 11 military chiefs of the ASEAN nations and Timor Leste to schedule joint military exercises which is slated for September this year.
The drills will focus on maritime security and rescue (SAR), as well as social services in the Natuna region. The exercises will gather the ASEAN armed forces in the army, navy and air force.
According to Margono, the drill reflects the ASEAN centrality and will not involve combat operations training.
The 20th ASEAN Chief of Defence Forces Meeting in Bali was attended by all military chiefs of the ASEAN countries, except for Myanmar./.
