RI, MALAYSIA AGREE TO INCREASE REGIONAL SECURITY STABILITY

Jakarta, Jan 22 (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to increase cooperation in the fields of defense and military in the framework of bilateral or multilateral relations for the sake of security stability.

"We agreed to increase cooperation in the fields of defense and military bilaterally based upon the Asean spirit," Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said here on Friday in connection with the visit of Malaysian Army Commander General Tan Sri MUhammad Ismail bin Haji Jamaluddin from January 20 to 22.

He said the agreement would be confirmed in the Asean defense ministers' meeting to be held soon which is the highest forum to discuss various defense and security issues in the region.

In his visit to Indonesia, General Muhammad Ismail also confirmed Malaysia's interest to buy Anoa 6x6 armored vehicles made by Indonesian arms company PT Pindad.

Malaysia plans to buy 33 units to strengthen its armed forces.

Minister Purnomo said the two countries had also agreed to increase cooperation in the fields of education and training for the two countries' soldiers and officers through among others joint exercises.