Indonesia, Qatar Improves Cooperation on Defense

London, 14 Muharram 143/15 October 2016 (MINA) – Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has invited his Qatari counterpart Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah to attend Indo Defense 2016 to be held in Jakarta on November 2-5 in order to strengthen security relations between the two countries.

Minister Ryamizard extended the invitation at a meeting with Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar Muhammad Basri Sidehabi in Jakarta, the Indonesian Embassy in Doha said in a press statement released on Friday.

Ambassador Basri brought Qatari business delegation to visit the ongoing Trade Expo Indonesia 2016.

“I also promote Indonesias military weapon and equipment products, which have been well-known in the Middle East, to the businessmen,” he said.

Currently, Qatar is importing military outfits for its military forces from Indonesias leading textile and garment manufacturers, PT. Sritex.

Ambassador Basri said Qatar is interested in studying the military products manufactured by the Indonesian state-owned enterprise specializing in military and commercial products, PT. Pindad, the Indonesian aerospace company, PT. Dirgantara Indonesia, and the Indonesian shipbuilding company, PT. PAL.

Several Indonesias military products that have been famous in Qatar are light tank and military rifle.

Minister Ryamizard pointed out Indo Defense 2016 is the largest defense industry fair that promotes land, sea, air military weapons and equipment.

At least 800 companies from 20 countries will showcase their military technology products for around 20 thousand visitors.

Besides Indonesia, Qatar imports various military products from other developing countries such as Pakistan and Turkey. Indonesias military products have potential market and are able to compete with products from the other countries.

In recent years Gulf countries have been massively importing military equipment valued at around US$150 billion. This is a wide opportunity for Indonesian products.

Relations between Indonesia and Qatar continues to increase. Qatari Police delegation will visit Indonesia in November 2016 to increase cooperation on security. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)