Indonesia, Timor Leste Sign Cooperation Agreement On Defense

The governments of Indonesia and Timor Leste have signed an agreement to establish cooperation in the field of defense, in particular, education and training.

The agreement was reached during Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu’s visit to the Port of Dili, East Timor on Monday, where he was reviewing the Indonesian Health Care Mission on the Floating Hospital, Antara reported Tuesday.

Ryamizard said Indonesia’s Defense Ministry is ready to assist Timor-Leste, in particular, to improve the capacity of the Timorese army personnel.

In addition, cooperation in defense related education and training between the two countries has been on, including Timor Leste Military Officers enrolling in Indonesia’s Military Command and Staff School.

Timor Leste has also sent several students to study at the Institute of National Defense as well as at a number of universities in Indonesia. The Ministry also opens up opportunities for Timorese soldiers to learn engineering.

"The UN needs Engineering unit to build and improve places which are ravaged by war or natural disaster," Ryamizard stated.

The Defense Minister of Timor Leste, Cirilio Cristovao, said the defense cooperation between Indonesia and East Timor has been going on from the beginning. Both countries already have a cooperation agreement between their armed forces.

"To improve the quality and capability of the engineers, we hope we can send troops to undergo training in Indonesia," he said.