05/30/07 01:33

US, RI to enhance military cooperation

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - US Deputy Defense Secretary Christopher Hill said he would enhance military cooperation in Indonesia-US defense relations.

"In a meeting with Indonesian Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono, various issues relating to the development of Indonesian national defense forces (TNI), especially military reforms and a myriad of the two countries` military cooperation programs were also discussed," he said in a press conference at the US embassy here on Tuesday.

According to Hill, the talks he had with Minister Yuwono generally touched on initiatives or activities that would strengthen the military relations between the two countries.

The talks were a follow up on an agreement reached with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice two years ago to establish military and training cooperation between the two countries, he said.

"The US really appreciates the Indonesian military chief for conducting military reforms," he added.

In addition, the Government of Indonesia hoped the US would continue the IMET program especially for mid-ranking military officers.(*)