Senegal Defence Minister Welcomes Military Coop With RI

Jakarta, July 17 (Antara) - Defence Minister of the Republic of Senegal Augustine Tine welcomes the Indonesian proposal for military cooperation after a meeting with Indonesia`s Deputy Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Dakar, Senegal, on July 4, 2013. "I really appreciate your visit in Senegal and welcome the proposal of military cooperation with Indonesia," said Minister Agustine Tine as quoted in a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Dakar on Wednesday. In the meeting, Deputy Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin was accompanied by the Defense Strategy Director General Maj. Gen. Sonny Prasetyo, Marketing Director of State-run aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) Budiman Saleh, Director of the Africa region of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Lasro Simbolon, and Indonesian Ambassador to Senegal Andradjati. Besides discussing military cooperation plan, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin also promoted CN 295, aircraft produced by PT DI, to the Senegalese Defense Minister. "I was intrigued by this new aircraft. We have also had CN 235 aircraft, and already enjoyed the benefit in our operations. Tomorrow (Friday) I plan to use the CN 235 to fly to Saint Louis." Augustine Tine said as quoted by the Indonesia embassy in its statement. Minister Augustine Tine also said that Senegal intended to add another CN 235 aircraft and to purchase the CN 295 aircraft model as well, the statement added. "However, we will seek additional funding sources for the purchase of CN 235 and CN 295," Augustine Tine said as quoted in the statement. During the meeting, Minister Tine welcomed the Indonesian military cooperation proposal particularly in the field of military training, capacity building, and counter-terrorism. Deputy Minister Sjafrie also extended his invitation for Minister Augustine Tine to visit Indonesia so he could see for himself the products of the Indonesian military industry.