The visit is part of Laksamana Madya TNI Soeparno’s introductory visit to friendly countries after being appointed as Head of TNI Navy (KASAL), on 28 September 2010. Apart from Negara Brunei Darussalam, Laksamana Madya TNI Soeparno is also scheduled to visit Thailand and the Republic of the Philippines.
During the call, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa Bin Hj Sirat and Laksamana Madya TNI Soeparno have the opportunity to exchange views and update information on outcomes from the bilateral defence meeting held previously between the two defence sides on 27 January 2011 at the Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. The Deputy Minister of Defence and Laksamana Madya TNI Soeparno also discussed ways on how to further enhance activities under both countries’naval forces including through exchange of visits, military exercises and the respective courses. He also paid a courtesy call to Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin during the visit at Ministry of Defence.
Prior to the courtesy call to the Deputy Minister of Defence, Laksamana Madya TNI Soeparno was also yesterday taken to visit the Royal Brunei Navy at Pangkalan Muara where he was given the honourary salute and parade.
The visit has futher strengthens defence relation between both countries. Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia formalised defence relations through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation on 10 April 2003.
Laksamana Madya TNI Soeparno will be in Brunei Darussalam from 8–10 February 2011.