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Russia seeks to boost political, military ties with Indonesia, defense minister says

Sergei Shoigu said that the two countries had stepped up political dialogue, enhanced interaction in the security sphere and strengthened defense cooperation

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Russia seeks to boost political and military ties with Indonesia, Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu said at a meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Ryamizard Ryacudu on Wednesday.

"We seek to boost high-level political and military relations. I am sure that today’s meeting will help strengthen friendly ties between the two countries’ defense ministries," Shoigu said.

He pointed out that Russia and Indonesia had stepped up political dialogue, enhanced interaction in the security sphere and strengthened defense cooperation. "Implementing the agreements reached by the presidents of Russia and Indonesia at their Sochi meeting in May 2016 and on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Singapore on November 14, 2018, is our top priority," the Russian defense minister added.

"We expect that after becoming a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2019-2020 term, Indonesia will cooperate with us in resolving pressing global issues," Shoigu said.

According to him, Russia positively views contacts between the two countries within the United Nations and other international organizations. "We consider Indonesia as one of our key partners in the Asia and Pacific Region," he noted, adding that next year would mark the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations, which had been based on friendship and mutual trust.

The Indonesian defense minister, in turn, expressed hope that the two countries would continue to maintain friendly relations and cooperation.