REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia's Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro has expressed hope that the ongoing International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS) will contribute to the settlement of the ongoing conflict in the South China Sea.

"The topic of this symposium is encouraging cooperation. That is the contribution of Indonesia towards settling the ongoing conflict in the South China Sea," he said on the sidelines of the symposium on Tuesday.

Yusgiantoro further stated that the forum was important because it was being attended by the naval chiefs of staff from 32 countries.

Bilateral meetings are expected to be held between the concerned countries to resolve conflicts following the symposium, he revealed.

The symposium is also expected to result in the creation of bilateral ties among navies from concerned countries in their efforts to resolve the conflict, he said.

"We would like to show neighboring countries the importance of cooperation," he said.

He also expressed the hope that the symposium will help the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) build confidence.

"The government appreciates the TNI AL for organizing this International Maritime Security Symposium. Hopefully, this symposium will assist the TNI AL in its confidence building efforts.

Of course, we also hope it will enable the TNI AL to forge cooperation with other navies in the world," Yusgiantoro said.

Representatives from countries grouped under the Indian Oceans Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) are taking part in the event.

Indonesia's Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Marsetio said the symposium was the first of its kind to bring together 32 navies from as many countries.

"Through the symposium, we will aim to showcase Indonesia's role at sea," he stated.

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