China and Indonesia have reached consensus on political security and defense cooperation during their inaugural Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue, forging a new path for bilateral cooperation.
Following the meeting between the two countries' foreign and defense ministers, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indonesian counterpart Sugiono signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a comprehensive strategic dialogue mechanism, reinforcing their commitment to deeper bilateral cooperation.
After the signing ceremony, foreign ministers and defense ministers from both sides briefed reporters on the consensus reached during the talks.
"It marks the beginning of a new chapter in strategic mutual trust and political security cooperation between our two neighboring countries, two emerging economies, and two developing countries," Wang said.
"During this very productive dialogue, we discussed a range of strategic issues concerning political, defense and security cooperation and also on global issues of mutual interest," said Sugiono.
"Deepening cooperation in the field of defense security will definitely provide strong support for building the China-Indonesia community of a shared future," said Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun.
"This meeting underscores the strategic value of deepening Indonesia-China cooperation," said Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on bilateral ties and cooperation in a separate meeting.
"Strengthening our mutual trust and cooperation sends signals of solidarity and openness to the world. It is important," said Wang.
"I have shown that all these years, our relations keep increasingly progressing. And we want to continue nurturing the good bilateral relations based on mutual respect and mutually beneficial for us," said Sugiono.
A reception was also held Monday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Indonesia.
China-Indonesia ministers reach consensus on political security, defense cooperation
China-Indonesia ministers reach consensus on political security, defense cooperation
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
