The Indonesian Military (TNI) will explore opportunities to improve ties with the United States during a visit by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday, the TNI chief said on Monday.

Air Marshall Djoko Soeyanto said the TNI is seeking to improve ties with the United States in the areas of officer training and arms sales.

"We have several points to be discussed with the U.S. side, including the IMET (International Military Education and Training) program. We want to know if the program can be held more often with more to learn.

"We want to accelerate the sending of spare parts (of U.S.- supplied arms) because it normally takes one to one-and-a-half years," the TNI chief told reporters at the state palace, adding that the TNI expected to receive the spare parts within five months.

Indonesia possesses a squadron of U.S.-made F-16 jet fighters and scores more of transport and other military aircraft.

Washington broke off military ties with Indonesia in 1999 on alleged human right abuses committed by TNI and police officers in Timor Leste and since then has halted defense export to Indonesia.

But in November last year the U.S. State Department issued a statement saying that Washington would resume some selected areas of military assistance to Indonesia.

Source: Xinhua