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Indonesia has transferred crates of rifles, handguns and ammunitions under a military assistance package to Cambodia.
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The assistance was handed over by the Indonesian ambassador to Cambodia, His Excellency Dr Santo Darmosumarto, to Cambodian Army Commander and Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Vice Commander General Mao Sophan during a ceremony at Phnom Penh International Airport on 29 August.
The assistance delivered to the Cambodian government was previously produced by Indonesian military equipment manufacturer PT Pindad.
The transferred military equipment showcases Indonesia’s defence industry potential and opens up a new dimension to the Indonesia–Cambodia defence and security cooperation, according to government of the Republic of Indonesia’s ambassador Santo.
“Today’s event highlights the enduring ties between the militaries of Indonesia and Cambodia,” he said.
“I am pleased to see that such strong ties have provided the foundation for a significant elevation of our bilateral cooperation in various areas in the last few years.
“We are honoured to do this at a time when we are celebrating our 65 years of diplomatic relations.”
Both countries have enjoyed years of various capacity building and personnel exchange programs, according to ambassador Santo.
Ambassador Santo also expressed hope that the continued strengthening of bilateral defence and security cooperation would contribute positively not only towards peace and stability in both countries, but also the region as a whole.
“In an increasingly unpredictable global security environment, it is important that Indonesia and Cambodia, as close neighbours and members of the ASEAN community, support efforts to mutually enhance each other’s military capacity,” he said.
Defence and security cooperation between Indonesia and Cambodia was initiated in the 1970s but became reinforced in the 1990s.
Following the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement, Indonesia sent more than 3,900 peacekeepers to participate in the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) mission in 1992–93.
The Indonesian military regularly provides training for various units of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, including the Special Command Forces (911 Brigade) and the Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ). Such cooperation is also highlighted by the frequent exchanges of visits among the two countries’ military senior officials.
