Russia, Indonesia sign defence cooperation agreement

Widodo says Russia and Indonesia have agreed on exchanges of intelligence information.

Russia and Indonesia have signed a defence cooperation deal that envisons the exchange of intelligence and manufacturing of ammunition in the Asian country.

The deal was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Moscow.

"We have agreed to widen contacts between defence ministries and security agencies," Putin said after the signing at the end of bilateral summit talks.

Widodo said Russia and Indonesia have agreed on exchanges of intelligence information. "President Putin and I agreed on consolidation of ties in defense technologies,... We came to an agreement on a transfer of technologies and we'll be looking at opportunities to streamline their joint manufacturing," Widodo said.

The head of Russia's arms export agency said Russia plans to produce military munitions in Indonesia, according to SBS News.

Putin said the volume of Russian companies will increase investments in Indonesia's oil sector.

"Our companies Zarubezhneft, Rosneft have specific, serious large-scale projects. That includes construction of a modern oil refinery with possible investment in the amount of $13 bln," Putin told Tass news agency.

The two leaders also discussed the problems of setting up a free trade zone between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which comprises Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan).

Tass said Russia and Indonesia are also working to further streamline visa procedures for the benefit of both the countries.

"Last year, the Indonesian side imposed a 30-day visa-free regime for Russians. The possibility to conclude an intergovernmental agreement on mutual simplification of visa procedures is being worked out," Putin said.

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