ASEAN and Russian defence ministers to meet in Moscow

The defence ministers of ASEAN member states and Russia will meet in Moscow ahead of the upcoming ASEAN — Russia Commemorative Summit in Sochi, Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov said on 7 April at a meeting with General Gatot Nurmantyo, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

"It is an opportunity to give a fresh impetus to Russia's relations with the ASEAN member states," Gerasimov said.

According to the Russian general, the defence departments of Russia and Indonesia were working on a package of documents to promote military and technical cooperation.

Gerasimov also said that the Russian Defence Ministry advocated a regular exchange of opinions with their Indonesian partners on international security, the fight against terrorism and transnational crime, as well as humanitarian operations.

"We believe that these talks will help strengthen friendly relations between the Russian and Indonesian armed forces," the Russian general said.

Valery Gerasimov also spoke highly about Indonesia's contribution to the development of ASEAN and other regional organisations.

General Gatot Nurmantyo pointed out Indonesia's interest in Russian weapons. He said they hoped for stronger cooperation in this sphere, as the Indonesian military want to have advanced weaponry.