FIJI SIGNS MOU IN DEFENCE COOPERATION WITH INDONESIA

30/09/2017

29 September, Indonesia: Fiji’s Minister of Defence and National Security, Hon. Ratu Inoke Kubuabola signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Defence Cooperation on behalf of the Fijian Government with Indonesia’s Minister for Defence, General (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu.

Minister Kubuabola expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s continued assistance and support in the past whilst noting that the MOU signing was not only timely and relevant to the future needs of Fiji, but also instrumental in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Both Fiji and Indonesia have reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen and expand the cooperation in the field of defence along the principle of equality, mutual benefits, mutual respect and mutual trust.

The two Ministers met and exchanged views and information on the policy and program to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and specifically through regular dialogue and consultation, capacity building programs, as well as joint defence and military research. Regional peacekeeping operations is also expected to be strengthened through this cooperation.

For Fiji, areas of common interest with Indonesia has been the need for improved maritime security, exchange visits between Defence and Armed Forces personnel and further information sharing in science and technology in defence industry and joint training in anti-terrorism exercise.

The Hon. Minister then concluded by extending an invitation to Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu to visit Fiji for the First Bilateral Dialogue in Defence Cooperation.