Indonesia Delivers Military Aid to Cambodia

TEMPO.CO, Phnom Penh - Indonesia has reinforced its military cooperation with Cambodia by delivering a significant shipment of military equipment. The assistance, including rifles, handguns, and ammunition, was officially handed over by the Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Dr. Santo Darmosumarto to Gen. Mao Sophan, Vice Commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of the Cambodian Army.

The delivery ceremony took place at Phnom Penh International Airport and marked a significant milestone in the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries. 

“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 honored to do this at a time when we are celebrating our 65 years of diplomatic relations,” Ambassador Santo said in a press release published by the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry on Thursday, August 29.

He expressed hope that the continued strengthening of defense and security cooperation would contribute positively to peace and stability not only in Indonesia and Cambodia but also in the broader region. He highlighted the importance of mutual support between the two countries in enhancing their military capacities, particularly in the face of an increasingly unpredictable global security environment.

The military equipment delivered to Cambodia was manufactured by PT. PINDAD, a leading Indonesian military equipment manufacturer. This showcases Indonesia's defense industry potential and opens up new avenues for cooperation in the defense and security sector. 

In addition to the equipment delivery, Indonesia and Cambodia have a long history of capacity building and personnel exchange programs.

Defense and security cooperation between Indonesia and Cambodia dates back to the 1970s but gained momentum in the 1990s. Following the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement, Indonesia played a significant role in Cambodia's peace process by deploying over 3,900 peacekeepers to participate in the UNTAC mission in 1992-1993. The positive interactions between Indonesian peacekeepers and the Cambodian people helped to revitalize the relationship between the two nations.

The Indonesian military has been actively involved in training various units of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, including the Special Command Forces (911 Brigade) and the Bodyguard Headquarters(BHQ). High-level military visits and exchanges have also been a regular feature of the bilateral relationship.

TEMPO

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