KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Malaysia and Indonesia today agreed to increase cooperation and exchange of information and intelligence by setting up a special joint body.
This was among the matters discussed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Indonesian Army Chief of Staff General Budiman when the latter paid Hishammuddin a courtesy call at Mindef here today.
This was Budiman first visit to Mindef since his appointment as the Indonesian Army Chief of Staff on August 30.
Also discussed during the two-hour meeting were matters concerning security control and joint operations, which would also be increased between the two countries, through the joint army posts in Seliku or Simanggaris in Sabah in Ops Balasah, or Ops Kris Parang in Sarawak.
The setting up of the special body was expected to play a significant role in monitoring the operations.
The scope of cooperation between the Malaysian Army and the Indonesian Army would also be expanded through various activities, such as reciprocal visit, child adoption programme, and the setting up of more joint army posts.
Budiman also convened a separate meeting with Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zain and Army chief General Datuk Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor.
Earlier, Budiman was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour mounted by 100 members of the Royal Malay Regiment and war dance mounted by 250 members of the 10th Brigade (Para).
He was also conferred the Maroon Beret and Honorary Parachute Wing of the 10th Brigade (Para). — Bernama
