TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Galuzin quipped the US in response to Jakarta Sukhoi aircraft purchase, emphasizing that Kremlin will work with any country regardless of its foreign policies, contrary to Washingtons approach until now.
"This cooperation demonstrates that Russia is ready to be a reliable military ally for Indonesia. We do not impose specific political requirements while selling these fighter aircraft, not like the other country that you already know," Galuzin informed reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Read: Indonesia Uses Export Commodities to Purchase Russian Sukhoi
Earlier on Tuesday, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu had announced that Indonesia plans to purchase 11 Russian-made Sukhoi SU-35 Flankers valued at US$1.14 billion. Almost half of that figure will be paid in the form of commodities, such as rubber, palm oil, and coffee.
Although Galuzin did not specifically name the US, but his remarks was clearly pointed at Washington that has continued to impose unilateral sanctions on countries that it deems dangerous.
Indonesia had become a victim of the US weapons embargo, as it was considered to have carried out human rights violations in 1999 in Timor Leste, which at that time wanted to gain independence. The embargo was eased in 2006.
Read: Govt to Exchange Rubber for Russian Sukhoi
Moreover, the US has imposed sanctions on China, Argentina, Iran, and Russia.
Russia is currently seeking a new market for its defense industry, as it is now facing sanctions from the EU and US following its conflict with Ukraine.
"This agreement on the sale of weapons [Sukhoi] demonstrates to the Indonesian public that Russia is an ally with a respectful basis and ignores political problems," Galuzin remarked. "This agreement, of course, will benefit both countries," he added.
ANTARA
