Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 30 – The Government of the Republic of Indonesia delivered military assistance to Cambodia in the form of rifles, handguns, and ammunition in the amount of USD 500,000.
The assistance was handed over by the Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto, during a ceremony at Phnom Penh International Airport. Representing the Cambodian side was General Mao Sophan, Vice Commander of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of the Cambodian Army.
Military assistance to Cambodia includes, 150 SS2-V5 A1 Rifie rifles, 20 G2 Elite Pistol rifles, 500,000 5.56x45mm rounds (M16), 4: 500,000 9x19mm bullets (small arms).
Santo Darmosumarto underscored that, “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.”
Ambassador Santo also expressed hope that the continued strengthening of bilateral defense 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”, the ambassador added.
The assistance delivered to the Cambodian government are produced by Indonesia's premier military equipment manufacturer, PT. PINDAD. It showcases Indonesia’s defense industry potential and opens up a new dimension to the Indonesia-Cambodia defense and security cooperation, which over the years have seen various capacity building and personnel exchange programs carried between the two countries.
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 UNTAC mission in 1992-1993. Welcomed warmly by the Cambodian people, the interactions between the Indonesian peacekeepers and the local community reinvigorated the linkages between the two nations after years of turbulence during the Cold War.
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.
For his part, General Mao Sophan, on behalf of the Ministry of National Defence, RCAF General Command, and himself, expressed gratitude to the Government, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Indonesian Army for providing military assistance, including long arms and short and light ammunition, to the Army Special Forces Command, which is crucial in strengthening the army's training capacity to effectively perform its duties for the nation.
Mao Sophan expressed his hope for continued strong and enduring cooperation between our two countries, our people, and our armies. He also wished the ambassador and the delegation good health, happiness, and success in all their endeavors.
=FRESH NEWS
