US Assistant Secretary Shear Visits Indonesia

Jakarta, Jan 23 (Antara) - US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs David B. Shear who is on a four-day visit to Jakarta discussed the Indonesia-US defense relationship on Friday. Assistant Secretary Shear met Indonesian Military Commander Moeldoko on Thursday (Jan 22) and discussed several issues, including counterterrorism and nonproliferation. "We also exchanged valuable inputs on transnational issues such as counterterrorism and nonproliferation. So, this is a very strong and very important partnership for the US. I am glad to be here to help us move forward and strengthen our partnership," Shear said here on Friday morning. About the counterterrorism efforts between Indonesia and the US, Shear noted both governments have strong common interests in fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS) group. Shear added the Indonesian and US defense institutions have strong coordination and exchange of information related to the ISIS movement. "It was definitely an issue on the agenda for yesterday's meeting (with Moeldoko) here," the Assistant Secretary pointed out. He added the US and Indonesia will strengthen and enhance information exchange on counterterrorism in the future. "We have had a long and successful collaboration with our Indonesian partner in the area of counterterrorism, particularly since 9/11. Indonesia has been very successful at managing threats to its security," Shear remarked. The information exchange, observed Shear, has been a fundamental part of the cooperation between law enforcers in both countries. Shear began his four-day visit to Jakarta on January 20. He met Moeldoko on Thursday and Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu on Friday afternoon. Shear has been officiating as Assistant Secretary since July 2014 after serving 32 years in the Foreign Service, most recently as the US Ambassador to Vietnam.