Indonesia, Philippines tighten cooperation to maintain regional security

Third Philippines-Indonesia Military Cooperation meeting held on May 25 (Photo: go.kompas.com)

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia and the Philippines should cooperate tomaintain security in the Southeast Asian region, said Indonesian Armed Forceschief Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto at the third Philippines-Indonesia MilitaryCooperation meeting on May 25.

As the two countries are geographically close to one anotherand share a common border, it is in the best interests of both Indonesia andthe Philippines to increase cooperation to maintain regional security inSoutheast Asia, he stressed.

He added that bilateral cooperation is needed to mitigatethe disruptive effects from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sharing the same view, Philippine Armed Forces Chief ofStaff Cirilito Sobejana said that the two countries managed to maintain closemilitary relations, which is essential as it helps to promote regional peaceand stability.

Closer cooperation between the Indonesian and Philippinemilitaries is needed, especially to handle challenges that are more complex,dynamic and ever-changing, Sobejana stated, adding that both military forceswill renew resolutions on facing common threats, conflict resolution andpromoting the peace, stability and wellbeing of Indonesia and the Philippines./.

VNA