VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The governments of Indonesia and Bangladesh have agreed to enhance cooperation on health resilience, defense, and security between the two countries.

The agreement to increase cooperation was discussed in a bilateral meeting between Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abdul Momen, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Monday.

"During the meeting, we discussed the importance of building our health resilience to anticipate future pandemics," Minister Marsudi said in a joint press statement with her Bangladeshi counterpart.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on health cooperation has been agreed upon by the two countries and is ready to be signed, she informed.

"Through this MoU, we will enhance our cooperation in primary and secondary healthcare, health technology, vaccines, and pharmaceutical industries," the minister said.

During their meeting, the two foreign ministers also discussed approaches to strengthen defense and security cooperation.

"We agreed to expand cooperation between PT Pindad and the Bangladeshi Army," Marsudi said.

"We also welcomed the finalization of an MoU on defense cooperation and the agreement on counter-terrorism cooperation. These two MoUs are expected to be signed within this year," she added.

This year, Indonesia and Bangladesh celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

"This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Bangladesh. I am very pleased our relations have grown stronger throughout the years," Marsudi remarked.  (Antaranews)