Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indonesia Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu

Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White provided the following readout:

On October 25, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Clark, Pampanga, Republic of the Philippines.‎

The two leaders exchanged views on regional security and emphasized the need for continued ASEAN centrality and cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific that safeguards the rules-based international order.

The Secretary shared Minister Ryamizard’s concerns regarding violent extremism, particularly the threat posed by ISIS and other terrorist organizations.  The two underscored the need to collectively address the threat of returning foreign fighters.  

Secretary Mattis relayed his appreciation for the broad range of US–Indonesia security cooperation and commended the recent decision by Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines to launch trilateral air and maritime patrols aimed at fostering greater information sharing and continued cooperation on maritime security.