Jakarta, August 5 — Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono met with his Belarusian counterpart, Maxim Ryzhenkov, at the Pancasila Mansion in Jakarta today, strengthening their bilateral cooperation in key areas. The meeting comes as a follow-up to the recent visit by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk last July.
During the meeting, Minister Sugiono emphasized that Indonesia-Belarus cooperation has significant potential due to its complementary nature and support for Indonesia’s national development agenda, particularly in agriculture. “In terms of food security, Indonesia is encouraging broader cooperation beyond trade, through strengthening industry and increasing agricultural production capacity,” he said. Belarus offers advantages in milk and meat production, as well as potash, which can be used as a raw material for fertilizer, heavy equipment, and agricultural tools.
Belarus, on the other hand, needs Indonesia’s superior commodities such as rubber, chocolate, palm oil, and wood products. The two Foreign Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation on food security through joint ventures in agricultural processing and equipment production, as well as research to improve agricultural yields. They also discussed regional and global issues of mutual concern, including cooperation within the ASEAN, EAEU, and BRICS frameworks.
The meeting highlights the growing strategic partnership between Indonesia and Belarus, with a focus on enhancing economic ties and promoting sustainable development. By strengthening their cooperation in key areas, both countries aim to strengthen their position in the global economy and address pressing regional and global challenges.
- Food security: Joint ventures in agricultural processing and equipment production.
- Economic cooperation: Strengthening industry, increasing agricultural production capacity, and promoting trade.
- Regional cooperation: Enhancing cooperation within ASEAN, EAEU, and BRICS frameworks.
The meeting marks the first for both Foreign Ministers since taking office in 2024. The Belarusian Foreign Minister is also scheduled to meet with senior Indonesian officials to further discuss bilateral ties.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s engagement with Belarus underscores its commitment to fostering strong economic partnerships and promoting sustainable development in the region. As the partnership deepens, both countries can expect to reap benefits from their cooperation, including increased trade, investment, and economic growth.
Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign AffairsNote: an official government press release.
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