Minister Sugiono Welcomes Ambassador Francis’s Departure, Looks Forward to Continued Cooperation
Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian government has bid farewell to Ambassador of Ireland to Indonesia, H.E. Pádraig Francis, marking the end of a four-year tenure that has seen significant strides in bilateral relations between the two nations.
During their meeting on July 23, Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Sugiono expressed his gratitude for Ambassador Francis’s dedication and contributions to enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including politics, economy, and culture. The minister highlighted several key milestones, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a bilateral consultation mechanism at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York later this year.
The MoU is seen as a significant step towards fostering closer ties between Indonesia and Ireland, particularly in the economic sector. The establishment of the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia reflects a strong commitment to boosting business relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Francis noted that there is vast potential for cooperation, with growing interest from Irish companies looking to invest in Indonesia’s thriving economy. He also reaffirmed Ireland’s support for the advancement of Indonesia-EU CEPA negotiations and expressed appreciation for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ active role in driving the process.
Minister Sugiono emphasized the wide-ranging opportunities for collaboration, especially in creative industries, technology, and digital transformation sectors. Recognizing Ireland’s role as a hub for multinational technology companies, Ambassador Francis expressed readiness to share best practices on tax policies and incentive strategies to attract more foreign investment to Indonesia.
The minister conveyed his confidence that the positive momentum in bilateral ties would continue to flourish under the leadership of the next Irish Ambassador, building upon the strong foundation laid by Ambassador Francis. He also expressed hope that the relationship between Indonesia and Ireland would grow even stronger in the years to come, with Indonesia remaining a second home for the departing ambassador.
As Ambassador Francis prepares to leave Indonesia, Minister Sugiono welcomed the opportunity for continued cooperation and mutual growth between their nations.
The Future of Indo-Irish Relations
A Growing Partnership
The departure of Ambassador Francis marks an important chapter in Indonesia-Ireland relations. As both countries navigate their respective global roles, a strong partnership will be crucial in addressing shared challenges and opportunities.
With Ireland’s growing interest in investing in Indonesia’s economy and Indonesia’s commitment to advancing its CEPA negotiations with the European Union, the future of Indo-Irish relations holds significant promise.
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