M'SIA-INDONESIA JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE IMPORTANT

MELAKA (Malacca0 (Malaysia), April 8 (Bernama) -- The joint military
exercise between Malaysia and Indonesia is important in forging close
cooperation between the two countries and even between the Asean member
countries and the region.


Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the experiences of
the two countries in carrying out joint exercises played an important role in
real situations.


"The close cooperation will be continued and we will frequently exchange
experiences with the objective of tackling terrorism," he told reporters at a
media conference after observing the 'Malindo Darsasa Exercise 7AB/2010' at a
hotel, here Thursday.


Also present at the media conference were Indonesian Defence Minister, Prof
Dr Ir Purnomo Yusgiantoro, and Malaysian Armed Forces Chief Gen Azizan
Ariffin and the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Chief Gen Djoko Santoso.


The exercise this time, with the theme tackling the threat of terrorism, had
incorporated the three special groups from the three services of the armed
forces of both countries, namely the Commandos, the Air Force and the Navy
Commandos, involving 1,241 personnel from the Malaysian armed forces and 452
personnel from the Indonesian armed forces.


The closing ceremony today was performed by the Indonesian Armed Forces
Chief and the next exercise is expected to be held in Indonesia in 2012.


-- BERNAMA