Indonesia offers defense equipment to Pakistan

CN235 Aircraft PT DI

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Wiranto met with the commander of Pakistans armed forces, General Rashad Mahmood, here on Tuesday to discuss defense cooperation, including the exchange of information and defense equipment.

"We have also offered our defense equipment to them, including the Anoa armored vehicle, assault rifle and CN-235 aircraft," Wiranto said at his office.

The cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan has been ongoing for years, marked by exchange of staff school students and commanders of the army, navy and air force, as well as staff members of the National Defense Institute (Lemhanas).

Wiranto also spoke about his experience participating in a joint exercise with Pakistani soldiers when he took part in the Army Command Staff School (Seskoad) in 1982.

"Relations between the two countries armies are very close. General Rashad Mahmood has asked for maintaining and developing that relationship," he said.

Wiranto, who was a former commander of the armed forces, also explained about the Indonesian governments attention to fight terrorism as part of efforts to promote peace, friendship and solidarity in the ASEAN region.

"They (Pakistan) wish Indonesia would continue with its efforts in leading the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), because peace in the region will bring a positive impact on other countries, including Pakistan," he said.

 ♖ Antara