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17 November 2008

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Fezile Bhengu is today, 17 November 2008 leading a South African delegation to an official visit in the Republic of Indonesia.

Deputy Minister Bhengu will during the week long visit attend the INDO Defence and Aerospace 2008 Expo and Forum. His visit seeks to consolidate the friendly and mutually beneficial ties between the two countries.

The Governments of South Africa and Indonesia share the long-standing and cordial relations, which are based on solid agreements such as the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of defence. The agreement includes the exchange of information on defence policies, exchange of officers for training and mutual visits.

The two countries have further agreed to exchange scientific and technological data, experts, technicians, trainers, as well as other forms of technical cooperation based on the principle of reciprocity and mutual consent.

The Memorandum of Understanding also covers the promotion of cooperation between the defence industry institutions. In this regard, the Deputy Minister's visit will add impetus to the promotion of cooperation between the South African and Indonesian defence industries. The South African Industry is expected to share its knowledge and best practices with the Indonesian counterpart.

In September 2008, South Africa had extended an invitation to Indonesia to attend the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD), the Africa's premier defence expo held in Cape Town. The two countries have also agreed to work closely in various fields such as the trade, finance, banking, agriculture, fishery, mineral and energy, tourism, chamber of commerce, economic free-zone, investments and other areas of common interests.

For more information contact:
Themba Gadebe
Cell: 083 628 0862

Issued by: Department of Defence
17 November 2008