A joint military exercise of members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), called ASEAN Solidarity Exercise Natuna (ASEX 01 – Natuna) officially kicked off on September 19 in Batam city of Indonesia.
Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Admiral Yudo Margono. (Photo: antaranews.com)
Jakarta (VNA) – A joint military exercise of members of the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN), called ASEAN Solidarity Exercise Natuna (ASEX01 – Natuna) officially kicked off on September 19 in Batam city of Indonesia.
Speakingat the opening ceremony, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces(TNI) Admiral Yudo Margono stressed that the unity of ASEAN will always be wellmaintained. As member states complement each other and learn from each other,the drills will strengthen the bloc’s abilities and capabilities to sustainregional peace, prosperity and security.
Theadmiral said all militaries of the ASEAN member states have agreed to continuestrengthening cooperation, including exchanging knowledge, information andmilitary tactics. He hoped that soldiers participating in the exercise can takeadvantage of the training time to learn from each other and improve theirprofessionalism.
Takingplace from September 18-25, ASEX 01-Natuna is being held around Batam island atthe eastern approaches of the Malacca Str💜ait and Natuna islands. The primarymaritime exercise has involved regional navies, armies and air forces in orderto strengthen joint maritime security patrols and response to disasters, rescueopera𒀰tions and medical evacuations./.
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Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Admiral Yudo Margono. (Photo: antaranews.com) 
