Foreign Minister Hails Bill on Indonesia-Turkey Defense Industry

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa has warmly welcomed deliberations on the bill ratifying an agreement between Indonesia and Turkey on the development of defense industry.

Speaking to the press after a closed-door meeting with the House Commission I at the parliament building on Monday, the minister said the cooperation is part of comprehensive relations between the two nations.

"So, this is a very strategic move," Marty said following the meeting led by Chairman of the House Commission I Mahfudz Siddiq.

The cooperation is not related to the sale and purchase of military armament systems but is aimed at developing the capacity of defense industries of both the countries, he said.

. He claimed that both the House Commission and the government shared the same view on the importance of the agreement in the field of defense industry.

The government and the parliament will continue deliberations on the bill at a plenary meeting to endorse it into a law, he said.

"This clearly reflects the partnership between the government and the parliament, and in this case especially the House Commission I, which is worth appreciating," he added.

Deputy Chairman of the House Commission I TB Hasanuddin said the discussion will soon be brought to a plenary session for approval.

The two countries had signed a cooperation agreement in the defense industry during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's visit to Turkey on June 28 and 29, 2010.(WDY)