Mark Mitchell

31 MAY, 2017

Joint Statement Between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia and the Ministry of Defence of New Zealand on Defence Relations

Indonesian Minister of Defense, Ryamizard Ryacudu, and New Zealand Minister of Defence, Mark Mitchell, met for the first time today, on 31st of May 2017 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Both Ministers reiterated that Indonesia and New Zealand enjoy a strong bilateral relationship and defence cooperation is an important component of that. Ministers confirmed the value both sides place on the bilateral defence relationship and committed to strengthening it. Several areas of cooperation that have been identified by both Ministers to strengthen the defence relations of Indonesia and New Zealand are as follows:

a. Bilateral visits and military exchanges, military ship visits, exercises, or other activities, particularly between the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the New Zealand Defence Force;

b. Exchange of intelligence information in the field of defence, including the exchange of information, training, and study visits;

c. Provision of training and education of military personnel;

d. Regular bilateral defence talks;

e. Exchange of lessons learned and best practices concerning peacekeeping operations;

f. Conduct of logistical support in support of mutually agreed bilateral activities;

g. Activities to enhance and broaden the interaction between their respective military cultures;

h. Provision of emergency assistance; and any other defence cooperation activities; and

i. Any other defence related cooperation activities that may be mutually agreed.

Both Ministers acknowledged the port visit of frigate HMNZS Te Kaha to Jakarta, and the visit of KRI BANDA ACEH to attend the Royal New Zealand Navy 75th Anniversary and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Maritime and Counter Terrorism Exercise Mahi Tangaroa.

These visits reinforced the positive bilateral defence relationship, that also includes training and education linkages between Indonesia and New Zealand Armed Forces and regular defence talks between Ministries of Defence.

Ministers also affirmed both Indonesia and New Zealand have a shared interest in the security and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific. Ministers emphasised the importance of regional security architecture, such as ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, for building regional confidence and security cooperation.

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