Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi and Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the deployment of military personnel to secure the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The plan to deploy security personnel has been initiated by the ministry and TNI since 2016, in order to anticipate the development of the situation in Afghanistan.

"Following the attacks in the area of diplomatic complex in Kabul throughout 2017 and the increase in territories controlled by the Taliban and ISIS, we consider it necessary to carry out an immediate security measure in the RI`s embassy," Marshal Tjahjanto stated after the signing ceremony in Jakarta on Wednesday.

TNI will deploy its Army`s Special Forces (Kopassus) as a calling to morally and functionally participate to help secure the RI`s embassies, especially in the vulnerable and dangerous countries.

"As entrusted to us, we will deploy our best personnel who have dedication, loyalty, and professionalism with full responsibility in carrying out this task," the TNI chief noted.

Marsudi remarked that the deployment of the military personnel in RI`s embassies is part of the duty to protect Indonesia`s national interests abroad.

"In carrying out the diplomatic mission, our ministry has a responsibility to protect not only the Indonesian citizens living abroad but also its diplomats and embassy buildings that represent the country`s sovereignty," Marsudi emphasized.

After receiving permission from Afghan authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TNI are in the process of completing technical aspects before the military personnel are deployed in early 2018

Source: ANTARA